CCPA Slaps INR 7 Lakh Penalty On Zepto Over Dark Patterns

The article explains that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a penalty of ₹7 lakh on Zepto for deploying digital “dark patterns” such as drip pricing and basket sneaking. Drip pricing involved revealing mandatory charges only at the final checkout step, while basket sneaking involved pre-ticked add-on purchases without explicit user consent. The regulator directed Zepto to immediately remove these design practices, ensure full transparency of all prices at the beginning of the user journey, and submit compliance proof within a set timeline. The article places the decision within a broader crackdown on deceptive online design practices, especially in e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms. It emphasises the growing regulatory focus on consumer rights and transparency in digital marketplaces. The move is seen as a significant step toward cleaner UX standards and stronger protection against exploitative online nudges.