Consumer panel fines SpiceJet for ‘deploying dark patterns on its booking platform’

NEW DELHI: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalised cash-strapped SpiceJet for “deploying deceptive “dark patterns” on its flight booking platform,” Union consumer affairs minister Prahlad Joshi said on X Friday. The airline has been directed to “permanently discontinue default-consent practices.”The violations found by CCPA include: “Automatic enrolment into SpiceClub. Pre-selected consent for promotional communications. Deceptive interface design influencing consumer decisions.”The authority has directed SpiceJet to permanently discontinue “default-consent practices. (Give) explicit, informed and affirmative consumer choice. (Ensure) continued compliance with consumer protection laws.”“The action reinforces that consumer consent must always be explicit, informed and freely given. Consumer choice must be informed, not manipulated,” Joshi added.This order basically says an airline should not trick a consumer into opting for more than what he or she wishes with default consent practices.