CCPA Fines SpiceJet 1 Lakh Rupees for Deceptive Online Practices

India's Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined SpiceJet Rs 1 lakh (approximately $1,200 USD) for employing deceptive "dark patterns" on its ticket booking website. The regulator determined that the airline's interface manipulated users into enrolling in loyalty programs and agreeing to receive future communications without their explicit consent.

The CCPA identified two primary issues. Firstly, a pre-ticked checkbox automatically enrolled customers into the SpiceClub loyalty program unless actively deselected. Secondly, a negatively worded option stated customers preferred not to receive future communications; this required users to opt-out, effectively subscribing them by default. The authority found these practices impaired consumer autonomy and violated consumer protection laws by creating a false impression of consent.

According to the CCPA, SpiceJet's booking interface was designed to secure enrollment and consent without requiring an active, informed decision. The use of default selections, rather than affirmative consent, constituted an unfair and deceptive trade practice. The CCPA specifically cited the negatively worded opt-out as a "Trick Question" and the default enrollment as "Forced Action" under its guidelines for "dark patterns."

These findings highlight a broader trend within the airline industry. A recent survey indicated that over 80% of airline passengers have encountered similar dark patterns on airline websites or apps in the past year. These practices often include hidden fees, forced actions, and misleading language to steer consumers towards company-preferred outcomes.