Now Reading: CCPA penalises nine platforms over deceptive online interface practices
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CCPA penalises nine platforms over deceptive online interface practices
CCPA penalises nine platforms over deceptive online interface practices
The Story in Brief
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has acted against nine digital platforms for using “dark patterns”, the government told the Rajya Sabha. These designs can influence consumer choices during online transactions. Zepto was fined ₹7 lakh for later-added handling charges and membership fees. Physics Wallah was fined ₹5 lakh over a pre-selected donation and persuasive messages. Anuj Jindal, FirstCry, PharmaEasy, McAfee and SpiceJet also received penalties.
BookMyShow was directed to remove a pre-ticked ₹1 charitable contribution, while IndiGo changed an opt-out message. The Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns Guidelines, 2023 list 13 deceptive practices. The CCPA issued a self-audit advisory in June 2025, and the government said about ₹20 lakh has since been collected in penalties.
The Indian Opinion
The action gives consumers useful examples of how online interfaces can shape decisions. However, the available information does not show how widespread these practices are or whether the penalties match consumer losses. Company names alone should not be treated as proof of broader wrongdoing. Clearer details on compliance, repeat violations and enforcement results would help readers judge the regulator’s impact fairly.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, hindustantimes.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
