CCPA imposes fines on nine digital platforms for using dark patterns
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has imposed fines on nine digital platforms for employing deceptive dark patterns to manipulate consumer behavior. These practices include adding hidden handling charges, forcing subscriptions, and creating false urgency during online transactions. The action follows the implementation of the Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns guidelines introduced by the government in 2023 to protect consumers from manipulative digital design tactics.
5 paksh5 articles
What Happened
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has taken enforcement action against nine digital platforms for utilizing dark patterns that mislead or manipulate consumers during online bookings and purchases. Companies including Zepto, SpiceJet, FirstCry, PhysicsWallah, PharmaEasy, McAfee, and Anuj Jindal have been issued fines, while InterGlobe Aviation and BookMyShow have received notices regarding these practices. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs confirmed the penalties in a written response provided to the Rajya Sabha.
The government introduced the Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns guidelines in 2023 to prohibit 13 categories of deceptive online practices, such as hidden costs and forced subscriptions. These regulations aim to curb manipulative design elements that pressure users into making unintended purchases or sharing personal data. The recent penalties represent a broader regulatory effort to ensure transparency and fairness in the digital marketplace.
Key Facts
- The Central Consumer Protection Authority penalised nine digital platforms for using dark patterns.Source not recorded
- The 2023 guidelines prohibit 13 categories of deceptive online practices.Source not recorded
- Zepto was fined 7 lakh rupees for adding handling charges and subscription fees at checkout.Source not recorded
- The Ministry of Consumer Affairs disclosed the action in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.Source not recorded
- Practices targeted include hidden fees, forced subscriptions, and creating false urgency.Source not recorded
The Timeline5
Every article on this story, in the order it was filed. We do not rank the outlets.
6 Aug
- HTTHindu Tamil Thisaiஇண்டிகோ, ஜெப்டோ உள்ளிட்ட 9 நிறுவனங்களுக்கு அபராதம்
CoverageWhat we read
Language reach
Dailies carrying this story, against the dailies we read in each language.
- English2 of 9
- Marathiमराठी1 of 2
- Tamilதமிழ்1 of 2
- Odiaଓଡ଼ିଆ1 of 2
Regional reach
Where this story reached, and where it did not. National mastheads and wire agencies circulate everywhere and are counted separately, not drawn on the map.
- None carried this
- No source registered
- 1 outlet
- 2 or more
- NorthNot carried0 of 4
- WestCarried1 of 5
- Central IndiaNot carried0 of 1
- EastCarried1 of 5
- North-eastNot carried0 of 2
- SouthCarried2 of 10
6 of the 26 states we read have local coverage. Spread across the country, with no regional concentration. Also carried by 2 national mastheads.
About This Analysis
One summary, built from every source. No single newsroom's voice.
- 5
- Paksh
- 5
- Articles
- 5
- Key facts
Paksh: the sides a story is told from. 5 newsrooms filed on this one, and every filing is listed above.