India fines nine digital platforms for deceptive dark patterns

malayalam.news18.com (Malayalam)

India's Central Consumer Protection Authority has fined nine digital platforms, including Indigo, Zepto, and BookMyShow, a total of ₹20 lakh for using deceptive "dark patterns" designed to manipulate or mislead consumers online. The penalties followed the 2023 guidelines against dark patterns, with Zepto receiving the largest fine of ₹7 lakh for drip pricing and basket sneaking, and Physics Wallah fined ₹5 lakh for auto-selected donation boxes. Companies have since removed these practices. The government's Rajya Sabha disclosure reported 308 dark pattern complaints from December 2023 to March 2026. It continues consumer awareness campaigns under the "Jago Grahak Jago" initiative.


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India fines nine digital platforms for deceptive dark patterns | News Minimalist