CCPA Penalises IndiGo, Zepto, Physics Wallah & Others For Using Deceptive Dark Patterns Online

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.

These tactics are aimed at nudging users toward decisions they may not have otherwise made.

The regulator has so far collected around Rs 20 lakh in penalties from companies found violating the guidelines.

In June 2025, the CCPA had directed e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits and identify as well as remove dark patterns from their digital services.

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Penalties against Zepto and Physics Wallah