India, Aug. 5 -- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalised nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, FirstCry, Physics Wallah and SpiceJet, for deploying "dark patterns", or deceptive user interface designs that manipulate consumer choices, the government told the Rajya Sabha. The consumer affairs department has strengthened safeguards against unfair digital trade practices, it added.

The Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, identifies and regulates 13 types of deceptive interface designs, including false urgency, basket sneaking, subscription traps, drip pricing, confirm shaming and trick questions.

The CCPA issued an advisory in June 2025 asking e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits to de...