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.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSaying ‘I Love Pakistan’ Is Okay For You?: Pawan Kalyan Slams Congress, Seeks Rahul’s ResponseSonam Wangchuk To Join Cockroach Janata Party’s Delhi Protest If Education Minister Doesn’t ResignWhere Are TMC Leaders? Only A Few MLAs, MPs Join Mamata As She Leads Kolkata DharnaNeighbourhood First 2.0? India Deepens Nepal-Myanmar Outreach As Amit Shah Reviews Border SecurityIndia Rejects EU-Pak Statement After J&K Reference Sparks Diplomatic Controversy1.5 Million Hits In 2 Minutes: CBSE’s Class 12 Re-Evaluation Portal Faces CyberattackCBSE Top Brass Transferred As Centre Orders Probe Into On-Screen Marking Tender Controversy’No Role For Any Third Parties’: India On Nepal PM’s Remarks On Border Encroachment, Britain Talks’Aligning With Traitor’: Mamata Slams TMC Rebels, Claims BJP Rigged Counting In 177 Bengal SeatsIndia Issues Formal Request To France For 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Defence Deal123Photostories5 national parks in the USA perfect for wildlife lovers and the best time to visit themKatrina Kaif’s ‘Uncha Lamba Kad’ outfit is trending again after the revamped version starring Disha Patani went viral for all the wrong reasonsThese Zodiac Signs Are Destined for a Powerful ComebackRags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.Tennis legend Serena Williams’ $10 million Florida mansion is a luxury retreat with a secret karaoke room, infinity pool but no tennis courtSetting up your living room? The 3-5-7 rule interior designers don’t want you to knowHow to remove a suntan naturally? Try these dal face packs for clear, glowing skin8 ‘just Indian girl things’ that sound strange but make complete sense at home6 fruit peels you should stop throwing away and whyMeet Calmaria Incredibilis: The two-headed snake from China that fooled scientists for years until DNA proved it!123Hot PicksWho was Henry NowakKarishma VijayChloe KimSuryakumar YadavBalen ShahJustin GaethjeJacob BethellTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtIPL Awards Full ListBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card
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.
