New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India has issued strict directions to banks to remove so-called “dark patterns” from their mobile apps and websites to protect customers from misleading digital practices. The central bank has given banks time until July 2026 to comply with the new requirements.
The RBI’s move aims to improve transparency in digital banking by ensuring that customers are not pressured or misled into purchasing additional services or paying hidden charges. Banks have been instructed to obtain clear and explicit customer consent before offering or bundling any financial product or service.
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RBI orders removal of misleading app design tricks
The central bank’s draft guidelines titled “Responsible Business Conduct Amendment Directions, 2026” require banks to eliminate design techniques that may influence user behaviour in a deceptive or confusing manner.
Dark patterns refer to interface designs used in digital platforms to manipulate users into making unintended decisions. These may include hidden charges, confusing options, or repeated prompts encouraging customers to accept additional services.
The RBI has mandated that financial institutions ensure complete price and fee disclosure before customers proceed with any transaction or subscription process.
Why RBI is acting against dark patterns
Dark patterns are commonly used digital design strategies intended to influence user behaviour in ways that may not be easily understood by consumers.
Such practices can include concealed fees, misleading promotional choices, or repeated notifications urging customers to activate additional services.
The RBI’s directive aims to ensure that customers clearly understand what they are signing up for and are not unknowingly enrolled in unwanted financial products.
Survey highlights widespread concern
According to a survey reported by India Today, conducted by the organisation LocalCircles, misleading digital design practices are reportedly widespread across online banking platforms.
The survey collected responses from more than 161,000 people across 388 districts of India. The findings showed that deceptive interface tactics are commonly experienced by users.
Participants said hidden charges are often not disclosed at the beginning of transactions and are revealed only at the final stage of the process. Users also complained about frequent notifications pushing them to activate additional services.
Deadline set for compliance
Banks have been given until July 2026 to fully eliminate dark patterns and implement the new regulatory requirements.
The RBI’s decision reflects the increasing reliance on mobile banking and digital financial services. The regulator aims to make digital finance more transparent, fair and user-friendly.
Strengthening customer protection in digital banking
Industry experts say the move is part of broader efforts to improve consumer protection in the financial sector. As digital transactions grow rapidly, online banking platforms are becoming more vulnerable to design-based manipulation.
Experts recommend that banks adopt stronger multi-layer cybersecurity systems, real-time monitoring and robust encryption standards, especially when working with third-party service providers.
The central bank’s directive underscores the importance of prioritising customer data protection and transparent financial communication in the expanding digital payment ecosystem.
