The Central Consumer Protection Authority has penalised nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, Physics Wallah, and FirstCry, for deceptive online design tactics that mislead consumers into paying more or surrendering data they never meant to share. The regulator's action targets what it calls "dark patterns," manipulative user interface designs that nudge consumers toward choices they would not otherwise make. "Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Acts Against Dark Patterns on Digital Platforms. Under the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, the government has catalogued thirteen categories of deceptive design. FirstCry was fined Rs 2,00,000 for drip pricing, after advertising prices as tax-inclusive and then adding GST at checkout.