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. Zepto delivery partners waiting for delivery orders. Aynan Shaikh, one of the Zepto delivery partners has alleged that new payout system is forcing them towards rash driving in order to achieve their targets, at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, June 10, 2023. (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO) The action is part of the consumer affairs department’s efforts to strengthen safeguards against unfair digital trade practices. Also Read | Zepto, IndiGo, and Physics Wallah among 9 platforms penalised for deceiving consumers 13 types of deceptive interface designs: False urgency, basket sneaking, drip pricing 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 2025 …