Dark Patterns Fined: Is Your App Trapping You?

India's consumer protection authority fined two companies for using sneaky website designs that tricked users into unwanted purchases. These 'dark patterns' are now illegal — and you have the right to demand refunds if you were misled.

Here's what happened: India's CCPA fined PhysicsWallah ₹5,00,000 and McAfee ₹1,00,000 in mid-2026 for using banned dark patterns on their platforms.. Dark patterns are interface tricks — pre-ticked boxes, hidden cancel buttons, fake urgency timers — that push users into purchases they never intended.. India banned dark patterns in 2023 guidelines; companies must get clear, active consent before charging users for any subscription or add-on..

What you should do: Audit your bank or UPI statement for recurring charges you don't recognise — cancel any subscription you never consciously signed up for.. When signing up on any app or website, uncheck all pre-selected boxes before hitting 'confirm' — never assume defaults are in your favour.. If a platform tricked you into a paid plan, file a complaint at consumerhelpline.gov.in — CCPA has already shown it will act and fine companies..

Under Consumer Protection Act 2019, you can demand a full refund for any purchase made due to a misleading interface — screenshot the dark pattern before the company fixes it, as evidence disappears fast after a complaint notice.