India, Aug. 6 -- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalised nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, FirstCry, Physics Wallah and SpiceJet, for deploying "dark patterns" - deceptive user interface designs that manipulate consumer choices, the government told Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The action is part of the consumer affairs department's efforts to strengthen safeguards against unfair digital trade practices.

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

The CCPA issued an advisory in June 202...