CCPA Imposes Penalties on IndiGo, Zepto, BookMyShow and 6 Other Platforms Over Dark Patterns

As per news reports, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed penalties on nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, BookMyShow, Physics Wallah, FirstCry and SpiceJet, for violating the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, as per news reports.  

The action was disclosed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The regulator said the companies were directed to remove the identified practices after the violations were established. 

Violations Linked to Checkout Practices 

As per The Hindustan Times report, among the companies penalised, Zepto Marketplace received the highest fine of ₹7 lakh. The CCPA found that handling charges and membership fees were added during the final stage of checkout after lower prices had been displayed earlier.  

Physics Wallah was fined ₹5 lakh for keeping a ₹10 donation pre-selected during payment and for requiring users to provide personal details before accessing free courses. Both companies have since withdrawn the practices flagged by the regulator. 

Changes Made by Other Companies 

The CCPA also took action against IndiGo for the wording used in an opt-out prompt on its mobile application. The airline replaced the message following the regulator's intervention.  

BookMyShow removed its pre-selected ₹1 BookASmile donation option, while FirstCry was fined ₹2 lakh. PharmaEasy, McAfee and SpiceJet were each penalised ₹1 lakh, and coaching platform Anuj Jindal was fined ₹3 lakh for using a countdown timer that created false urgency. 

Guidelines and Consumer Complaints 

The 2023 guidelines identify 13 types of dark patterns, including drip pricing, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, subscription traps, and false urgency. In June 2025, the CCPA asked e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits to identify and remove such practices. 

The government also informed Parliament that the National Consumer Helpline received 308 complaints related to dark patterns between December 2023 and March 2026. 

The government informed Parliament that the regulator has so far collected around ₹20 lakh in penalties from companies found violating the guidelines 

Read More: DGFT Extends Deadline for India-UK CETA TRQ Applications to August 9, 2026! 

Conclusion 

The CCPA's latest action adds to regulatory efforts to address misleading online practices under the 2023 dark pattern guidelines. The companies concerned have either modified or discontinued the practices identified during the investigation. 

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