![\"CCPA](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-47529300,imgsize-110164,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/47529300.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has slapped a Rs 5 lakh penalty on edtech company, PhysicsWallah (PW), over use of \u201cdark patterns\u201d 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 \u201cPW Foundation\u201d was automatically pre-selected during checkout, resulting in additional charges being added to users\u2019 final payment without explicit consent. This amounts to \u2018basket sneaking\u2019, which has been categorised as a dark pattern.The authority also said that users clicking on the \u201cKnow More\u201d option regarding the donation were shown emotionally persuasive messages related to supporting marriages, children\u2019s education, and healthcare for underserved communities. According to the CCPA, which \u201ccan induce guilt and nudge users to retain the pre-selected donation amount\u201d.CCPA took up this case as suo motu into PhysicsWallah’s alleged \u201cdark patterns\u201d 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. \u201cThe 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,\u201d CCPA said.The authority also raised concern over the company\u2019s handling of \u201cfree courses.\u201d 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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n