Hyderabad: Nine digital platforms, including BookMyShow, Zepto, Physics Wallah, and IndiGo, were penalised for using “dark patterns” or deceptive practices to manipulate consumers into decisions they would not have usually made. The government on Wednesday, August 5, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) fined SpiceJet, Physics Wallah, IndiGo, FirstCry, Zepto, McAfee, BookMyShow, PharmaEasy, and Anuj Jindal for operating their platforms through dark patterns. Subsequently, in 2025, the CCPA issued an advisory urging e-commerce platforms to hold self-audits to check for dark patterns on their apps and platforms. Zepto fined for drip pricing, BookMyShow for basket sneakingQuick commerce platform Zepto Marketplace was fined Rs 7 lakh for displaying lower prices on items while including handling charges and membership fees. CCPA directed the platforms to eliminate dark patterns such as unexpected charges, forced sign-ups, misleading timers, and pushy renewal pop-ups.