The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has slapped a ₹1 lakh fine on budget carrier SpiceJet Limited for employing deceptive user interface designs, commonly known as “dark patterns,” on its flight booking platform. An inquiry led by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra revealed that the airline was using manipulative tactics to automatically enrol flyers into its SpiceClub loyalty programme via a pre-ticked checkbox. Furthermore, the system presumed that passengers had consented to receive marketing communications across SMS, WhatsApp, and email by default, requiring no affirmative choice from consumers. The regulatory body noted that even after a notice was served, SpiceJet merely substituted one pre-selected box for another, effectively continuing the unfair trade practice under a different guise.
The CCPA officially categorized the airline’s violations under three specific dark patterns: “forced action” via automatic loyalty sign-ups, “interface interference” by making the company’s preferred choices the default settings, and “trick questions” through confusingly worded consent clauses. The regulator declared that consent secured via pre-ticked settings does not constitute valid approval under Indian law, noting that such practices severely compromise consumer autonomy and hinder informed decision-making. SpiceJet defended the platform design as an accidental technical error that has since been fixed. However, the CCPA has directed the airline to provide a formal, permanent undertaking ensuring that these deceptive electronic practices are completely dismantled, reinforcing its broader regulatory crackdown on transparent and fair e-commerce operations.
