CCPA slaps Rs 5 lakh penalty on PhysicsWallah over ‘dark patterns’

NEW DELHI: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has slapped a Rs 5 lakh penalty on edtech company, PhysicsWallah (PW), over use of “dark patterns” on its website and mobile application. raising concerns about unfair trade practices and consumer rights violations.

In its order passed on Monday, the CCPA said that the Noida-based edtech firm used manipulative interface designs during the purchase process. It mentioned that a Rs 10 contribution towards the “PW Foundation” was automatically pre-selected during checkout, resulting in additional charges being added to users’ final payment without explicit consent. This amounts to ‘basket sneaking’, which has been categorised as a dark pattern.

The authority also said that users clicking on the “Know More” option regarding the donation were shown emotionally persuasive messages related to supporting marriages, children’s education, and healthcare for underserved communities. According to the CCPA, which “can induce guilt and nudge users to retain the pre-selected donation amount”.

CCPA took up this case as suo motu into PhysicsWallah's alleged “dark patterns” on its website and app.

The order said that PhysicsWalla admitted to the authority that the pre-selected donation mechanism remained operational from Feb 14, 2024 to Dec 24, 2025 and approximately Rs 2.5 crore was collected from around 21.37 lakh users during this period. “The platform caters extensively to students preparing for competitive examinations, many of whom are minors or young consumers. In such circumstances, deployment of manipulative interface practices affecting consumer autonomy and informed choice warrants regulatory intervention and imposition of penalty to ensure deterrence and future compliance,” CCPA said.

The authority also raised concern over the company’s handling of “free courses.” The regulator found that users opting for this were required to share personal details such as mobile numbers and email IDs to access courses advertised as free. In some cases, educational content remained inaccessible even after enrolment.