New Delhi: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a SpiceJet penalty of ₹1 lakh after finding that the airline used deceptive design practices, known as dark patterns, on its flight booking platform in violation of consumer protection laws.
The authority, headed by Chief Commissioner Smt. Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Shri Anupam Mishra, found that SpiceJet automatically enrolled consumers into its SpiceClub Loyalty Programme through a pre-ticked checkbox. It also found that the airline treated consumers as having agreed to receive promotional messages because the default option remained pre-selected.
During the proceedings, SpiceJet said a technical error caused the issue. However, the CCPA noted that even after issuing a notice, the airline replaced the earlier method with another pre-ticked checkbox for text messages, WhatsApp and email. Therefore, the authority held that the practice continued in a different form.
CCPA cites violations behind SpiceJet penalty
The CCPA identified several dark patterns on the booking platform. These included forced action through automatic enrolment in the SpiceClub Loyalty Programme. It also found interface interference because the default settings favoured the company’s preferred option. In addition, the authority flagged a trick question that used confusing and negatively worded consent language.
According to the CCPA, these practices reduced consumer autonomy and weakened informed decision-making. Moreover, they conflicted with the principles of fair and transparent consumer engagement.
The authority held that the SpiceJet penalty followed violations of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, including provisions on unfair trade practices, unfair contracts and misleading representations. It also found violations of Rule 4(9) of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, and the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.
Finally, the order reiterated that consumer consent must be explicit, informed and freely given. It said businesses cannot rely on pre-ticked checkboxes, default settings or deceptive interface designs to obtain valid consent.
Consumer choice must be informed, not manipulated.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty on SpiceJet airlines for deploying deceptive “dark patterns” on its flight booking platform and directed the airline to permanently discontinue… pic.twitter.com/4WNtTP8cfA— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) July 17, 2026
