CCPA Fines Nine Digital Platforms for Using Dark Patterns

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) penalized nine digital platforms for employing dark patterns, which are deceptive user interface designs used to manipulate consumer decisions. The regulator collected approximately ₹20 lakh in total penalties under the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns 2023, following a June 2025 advisory requiring e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs disclosed these enforcement actions in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Zepto Marketplace received the highest fine of ₹7 lakh for drip pricing and basket sneaking, specifically adding handling and membership fees after displaying discounted rates. Physics Wallah was fined ₹5 lakh for pre-selecting donations and requiring personal information for free courses. FirstCry was penalized ₹2 lakh for hiding GST charges until the final payment page, and SpiceJet was fined ₹1 lakh for using fake countdown timers to create false urgency. Other penalized entities included McAfee, which created subscription traps via complex cancellation processes, as well as BookMyShow, PharmaEasy, and coaching platform Anuj Jindal.

IndiGo was penalized for using confirm shaming in its mobile application's opt-out messages and was directed to transition to neutral messaging. Following these interventions, several companies, including Zepto, Physics Wallah, and IndiGo, have already modified their user interfaces or discontinued the offending practices. The authority ordered all penalized platforms to remove hidden charges, forced subscriptions, and misleading timers.