Panaji, Goa: The Consumer Protection Committee of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) successfully organised its sixth awareness programme on “Dark Patterns” at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall, educating law students about deceptive online design practices and responsible digital consumer behaviour.
The programme featured Mr. Ketan Kashinath Phaldessai, Assistant Director, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department (Consumer Affairs Section), as the resource person. Through an informative presentation, he explained how websites and mobile applications often employ manipulative user interface designs—known as dark patterns—to influence consumer decisions.
During the session, students were introduced to various forms of dark patterns, including False Urgency, Basket Sneaking, Interface Interference, Drip Pricing, Subscription Traps, and Disguised Advertisements. To make the programme more engaging and relatable, Mr. Phaldessai also screened videos demonstrating real-life examples of these deceptive practices, helping students understand their impact on online shopping and digital interactions.
The awareness programme aimed to empower students with the knowledge to recognise misleading online tactics, make informed purchasing decisions, and become responsible digital consumers.
Earlier, Ms. Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, welcomed the gathering, while Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General of GCCI, addressed the students and provided an overview of the importance of understanding dark patterns in today’s digital economy.
Mr. Nitin Maganlal, Member of the Consumer Protection Committee, introduced the resource person. The programme was compered by Prof. Subhash Kauthankar, Member of the Consumer Protection Committee, while Mr. K. Sasindran Nair proposed the Vote of Thanks. Ms. Melane D. Rodrigues, Assistant Director, was also present on the occasion.
The programme witnessed participation from approximately 30 law students of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, accompanied by Prof. Ujwala Pednekar, Assistant Professor.
On behalf of the students, Ms. Alisha Fernandes delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the organisers and resource persons for conducting an informative and thought-provoking session.
As a token of appreciation, mementos were presented to Mr. Ketan Kashinath Phaldessai and Mr. Sanjay Amonkar by Ms. Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, GCCI.
The initiative reflects GCCI’s continued commitment to promoting consumer awareness and equipping young citizens with the knowledge needed to navigate the digital marketplace responsibly.
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