Peru’s Indecopi Launches Public Consultation on E-Commerce Regulation to Ban ‘Dark Patterns’
Peru’s National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) has initiated a public consultation process to draft a regulation implementing Decreto Legislativo 1729, a law aimed at curbing deceptive online practices known as “dark patterns” and enhancing consumer protections in digital commerce, according to an official announcement dated June 30, 2026.
What is Decreto Legislativo 1729 and Why Does It Matter?
Enacted to address manipulative tactics in e-commerce, Decreto Legislativo 1729 amends Peru’s Consumer Protection and Defense Code to prohibit practices such as default auto-subscriptions. The law seeks to safeguard consumer autonomy by mandating clearer digital interfaces and streamlined complaint resolution processes. “This regulation is critical to ensuring transparency in an increasingly digital marketplace,” said Indecopi director Julio César Ramírez in a statement.
How Is the Public Consultation Structured?
Indecopi is gathering input from businesses, trade associations, and digital platforms to shape the regulatory framework. Stakeholders can submit feedback via an online form, which remains open until July 10, 2026, or by emailing autoridaddeconsumo@indecopi.gob.pe. The consultation follows a 2023 pilot program that identified 12 common dark patterns, including “forced continuity” and “misdirection,” according to a 2025 study by Peru’s Center for Digital Ethics.
What Changes Are Expected in Digital Commerce?
The upcoming regulation will clarify how businesses must implement the law, including requirements for user-friendly interfaces, explicit consent mechanisms, and faster complaint resolution. For example, companies will need to display subscription cancellation options within three clicks, a standard already adopted by the European Union under its Digital Services Act. “This aligns Peru with global best practices while addressing local market challenges,” noted María González, a legal analyst at the Universidad del Pacífico.
How Will the Final Rule Be Developed?
After the consultation, Indecopi will publish a draft regulation for public review. The final text is expected to include guidelines on data retention for complaints, penalties for non-compliance,