CCPA Fines 9 Digital Platforms Including Zepto, IndiGo and Physics Wallah; Know the Reason
The CCPA penalised nine digital platforms, including Zepto, IndiGo, and PhysicsWallah, for using deceptive 'dark patterns' like drip pricing and basket sneaking. The government collected INR 20 lakh in fines and ordered firms to remove these features. The consumer affairs department previously issued an advisory in June 2025 requiring e-commerce entities to conduct self-audits.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalised nine digital platforms, including major names like IndiGo, Zepto, FirstCry, PhysicsWallah, and SpiceJet, for deploying "dark patterns" to manipulate consumer choices. The government shared the details in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting heightened regulatory efforts against unfair digital trade practices.
Under the Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, authorities regulate 13 distinct types of deceptive user interface designs, such as false urgency, basket sneaking, drip pricing, and confirm shaming, reports Hindustan Times. The consumer affairs department previously issued an advisory in June 2025 requiring e-commerce entities to conduct self-audits, with the regulator collecting about INR 20 lakh in total fines from non-compliant platforms. Why CCPA Fined Storia Foods: Know the Truth Behind '100% Juice' Marketing Claims.
Action Against Quick Commerce and Edtech Platforms
Quick commerce platform Zepto Marketplace faced an INR 7 lakh fine after the CCPA found that it initially displayed lower prices before adding handling charges and membership fees. The regulator flagged the handling fees as drip pricing and the automated inclusion of membership as basket sneaking. According to the government, Zepto has since discontinued the practice. Edtech platform PhysicsWallah was penalised INR 5 lakh following suo motu cognisance by the CCPA over a pre-selected INR 10 donation to the "PW Foundation", accompanied by emotionally persuasive messaging. The platform was also pulled up for making the disclosure of personal data mandatory before accessing free courses. The company deposited the penalty and removed the dark pattern.
Penalties Across Aviation, Entertainment, and Retail Sectors
The aviation sector also faced scrutiny after consumer complaints regarding IndiGo's mobile application. The airline used a confirm-shaming prompt that featured an opt-out message reading, "No I will take risk," which has since been replaced with a neutral alternative following regulatory intervention. BookMyShow was directed to remove a pre-ticked INR 1 contribution to its "BookASmile" initiative, addressing instances of basket sneaking. CCPA Fines Storia Foods and Mrs. Bectors' English Oven INR 1 Lakh Each Over Misleading '100%' Claims on Food Products.
Additional penalties were imposed on FirstCry (INR 2 lakh), Anuj Jindal (INR 3 lakh), PharmEasy (INR 1 lakh), McAfee (INR 1 lakh), and SpiceJet (INR 1 lakh). These platforms were directed to eliminate various deceptive interface elements, including hidden charges, forced subscriptions, and manipulative renewal prompts.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 11:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
