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 an