The Central Consumer Protection Authority has penalised nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, Physics Wallah and BookMyShow, for alleged use of dark patterns such as drip pricing, basket sneaking and misleading prompts. The regulator has collected around Rs 20 lakh in penalties and directed companies to remove deceptive practices.

New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed penalties on nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, Physics Wallah, BookMyShow, FirstCry and SpiceJet, for using deceptive online practices known as dark patterns that allegedly misled consumers during purchases and subscriptions.

CCPA action against platforms

The action was disclosed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, where the government said the regulator has stepped up enforcement efforts to protect consumers from manipulative online interfaces designed to influence purchasing decisions.

According to the ministry, the CCPA has taken action against companies found using various forms of dark patterns, including drip pricing, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, subscription traps and misleading prompts.