The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) fined PhysicsWallah ₹5 lakh and McAfee India ₹1 lakh for using dark patterns that allegedly misled consumers. PhysicsWallah was found auto-adding donations, using emotional prompts, and forcing users to share personal data for free courses. Both firms have been directed to discontinue such practices and ensure informed consumer choice.

New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday imposed a penalty of Rs 5 lakh on PhysicsWallah Limited for deploying dark pattern practices on its platform that allegedly misled consumers and influenced their decision-making process.

The consumer watchdog has also imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on McAfee Software India Private Limited for using misleading subscription renewal practices on its digital platform.

“PhysicsWallah has been fined Rs 5 lakh, while McAfee has been fined Rs 1 lakh. Both companies have been directed to remove such practices from their platforms and ensure that consumers are able to make informed choices without pressure or manipulation,” it said.

The action was taken under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, and the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.