Jagriti App and Jagriti Dashboard launched

Why in the news?

• Recently on National Consumer Day (24 December), 'Jago Grahak Jago App', 'Jagriti App' and 'Jagriti Dashboard' were launched.
• These three apps have been developed as part of an intensive research conducted by students at IIT BHU.
• These apps are part of an intelligent cyber-physical system.
• They work in real time and run on the Airavat AI supercomputer under the National Supercomputing Mission for AI and Data Analytics.
• This system analyses existing text and design elements on e-commerce platforms to determine whether they are being used to influence consumer psychology.
• They aim to empower consumers, protect their rights and ensure quick resolution of their problems.

Jago Grahak Jago App

• This app is a dedicated platform for consumers.
• It also provides them with information about their rights and government services along with redressed of complaints.
• The ‘Jago Grahak Jago App’ provides essential e-commerce information about all URLs during the consumer’s online activities,
• It alerts that a URL may be unsafe and caution needs to be taken.

Key Features

• Complaint filing and status tracking.
• Detailed information on consumer rights, duties and laws.
• Information on schemes and services available to consumers by the government.
• Simple and user-friendly interface.

Jagriti App

• The ‘Jagriti App’ allows users to report URLs.
• Where they suspect the presence of one or more dark patterns, which have been declared illegal.
• These reports are then registered as complaints with the Central Consumer Protection Authority for possible redressed and subsequent action.

Jagriti Dashboard

• It is used to generate real-time reports on e-commerce URLs for the presence of the above dark patterns
• This enhances the ability to effectively monitor and regulate online consumer interactions.
• It will help in identifying dark patterns, expedite resolution of consumer disputes, and curb practices that are detrimental to consumer interests.

Dark Patterns

• Dark patterns are design techniques or strategies that force users to make decisions that are against their best interests.
• They are commonly used on websites, apps, and other digital platforms.
• They are intended to confuse the user, compel them to take certain actions, or take advantage of them by concealing information, such as:
  • False urgency, hidden purchases, forced consent
  • Forced actions, subscription traps, interface interference, trickery, incremental pricing
  • Disturbing hidden advertising, deceptive terminology, SaaS billing, and malicious malware.