CCPA fines nine platforms for dark patterns
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026
The fines are modest relative to the revenues of the affected companies, so the direct financial impact is limited. However, the enforcement signals increased regulatory scrutiny of digital consumer practices in India, potentially raising compliance costs and reputational risks for e-commerce and tech platforms.
The India — Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed penalties totaling approximately Rs 20 lakh on nine digital platforms for using deceptive 'dark patterns' in their online interfaces, as disclosed by the United States — New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection in a written reply to the India — Rajya Sabha. The penalties were levied under the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, which identify 13 prohibited practices including drip pricing, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, and subscription traps. Metric prefix was fined Rs 7 lakh for adding handling charges and membership fees during checkout; Physics Wallah was fined Rs 5 lakh for a pre-selected donation and mandatory personal information sharing; IndiGo was ordered to change its opt-out message from 'No I will take risk' to a neutral wording; BookMyShow was directed to remove a pre-ticked donation; and FirstCry, Pharmeasy, McAfee, SpiceJet, and Anuj Jindal were fined smaller amounts for various deceptive practices. The regulator had earlier advised platforms to self-audit in June 2025, and the National Consumer Helpline received 308 complaints between December 2023 and March 2026. The companies have largely discontinued the practices and paid the penalties.
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