New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed penalties totalling Rs 20 lakh on e-commerce and digital platforms found engaging in deceptive online practices, or "dark patterns", while the government has strengthened the regulatory framework to protect consumers from unfair trade practices in the digital marketplace.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution B.L. Verma said the Department of Consumer Affairs has strengthened consumer protection through the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020.

The minister said the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had also issued the "Guidelines...