• The Union government launched three apps, Jago Grahak Jago, Jagriti, and Jagriti Dashboard, to protect consumer rights.
• The apps aim to identify dark patterns on e-commerce platforms, empowering consumers to protect their rights.
• The Minister also launched the National Legal Metrology e-Mapp and AI-enabled NCH 2.0, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
• The launch of these apps and initiatives is a significant step towards protecting consumer rights and empowering consumers in the digital age.

In a significant move to bolster consumer rights, the Union government launched three innovative applications on the occasion of National Consumer Day 2024. The Jago Grahak Jago app, Jagriti app, and Jagriti Dashboard were unveiled by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi. These applications are designed to protect consumers from dark patterns, a deceptive technique used on e-commerce platforms to influence consumer behavior.

The launch of these applications is a testament to the government's commitment to acknowledging the rights and needs of consumers. The National Consumer Day, celebrated annually, highlights the significant strides the Department of Consumer Affairs has made in protecting and empowering consumers over the past year. This year's theme, Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice, reflects the commitment to enhancing consumer welfare through innovative solutions and transparent redressal systems.

The Union Minister, during the launch at Vigyan Bhawan, stated that these apps would equip the Department of Consumer Affairs with the means and resources to identify dark patterns on e-commerce platforms. He further added that these tools would soon empower consumers, providing them with the necessary resources to protect their rights.

Government's Commitment to Consumer Justice

The Minister also emphasized the importance of virtual hearings of grievances, which are providing consumers with digital access to justice. This initiative reflects the commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in ensuring efficient and accessible justice to consumers.

In addition to the apps, the Minister launched the National Legal Metrology e-Mapp, which enhances transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance and operations. The new AI-enabled NCH 2.0 was also unveiled. This platform features multilingual support and AI-powered chatbots, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for consumers across the country.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has been instrumental in protecting consumer interests through its class actions suits and actions. The Minister highlighted the achievements of the CCPA, which include a refund of Rs 1,454 crores by travel companies to consumers affected due to cancelled flight tickets and actions taken against 45 coaching centres across the nation for misleading advertisements.

Consumer Protection in the Digital Age

The Minister also appreciated the action taken by the CCPA against surrogate advertisements by issuing 13 notices to the companies. He further lauded the policy work done by the CCPA by releasing the guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024 and Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector 2024.

The Minister recognized the evolving threats to the consumer on the E-commerce portal and stated that India, by reaching 950 million, has become the second-largest e-commerce user. He congratulated the Department for enacting the Consumer Protection E-commerce Rules, 2020 and taking proactive actions and launching initiatives for the protection of consumers on e-commerce.

The Minister also emphasized the initiatives of BIS recognizing quality control orders, hallmarking of gold jewelry, and recalling of substandard products ensuring standard products are marketed. He appreciated Legal Metrology for ensuring accurate measures and standards for India. He also appreciated National Test House for its extensive network of laboratories across India achieving a 57.37% increase in sample testing and a 42.49% rise in revenue during the year 2024.