CCPA fines PhysicsWallah and McAfee for using dark patterns on digital platforms

Key points

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken action against PhysicsWallah Limited and McAfee Software India Private Limited for using dark pattern practices that influenced consumer choices on their digital platforms.
• PhysicsWallah has been fined Rs 5 lakh, while McAfee has been fined Rs 1 lakh.
• The authority has also directed both companies to remove such practices and ensure that consumers can make informed decisions without pressure or manipulation.
• 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. The CCPA said the practices used by the companies affected consumers' ability to make free and informed choices.
• WHAT CCPA FOUND ON PHYSICSWALLAH The authority took suo motu cognisance of certain practices on the PhysicsWallah platform and examined how users interacted with its services.