The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined EdTech company PhysicsWallah ₹5 Lakh for engaging in deceptive consumer practices. The authority ordered the company to stop using these tactics on its digital platforms. The action was taken under the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
CCPA Findings
The CCPA investigated PhysicsWallah's platform. It found interface designs influenced consumer choices unfairly. Consumers were not able to make free and informed decisions.
Violations Identified
The CCPA identified several specific violations. A ₹10 donation to the PW Foundation was automatically added to checkout totals. This occurred without explicit consumer approval. Users were shown emotional messages. These messages encouraged keeping the donation. Courses advertised as "free" required personal information. Users had to share mobile numbers and email addresses.
PhysicsWallah's own content review showed the same course material. This indicated data collection was not necessary. The CCPA stated that pre-selected options do not count as consent. Consent must be clear and affirmative.
Identified Dark Patterns
The CCPA classified these practices as "dark patterns." These are design choices that trick users.
- Basket Sneaking: Automatic addition of items (the donation) to the shopping cart.
- Confirm Shaming: Using emotional language to make users feel bad about removing an item (the donation).
- Forced Action: Requiring users to share personal data to access advertised free content.
Legal Provisions Violated
PhysicsWallah violated several laws and guidelines:
| Provision | Nature of Violation |
| Section 2(9), Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | Impaired free and informed decision-making. |
| Section 2(28), Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | Misleading advertisement of 'free courses'. |
| Section 2(47), Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | Unfair trade practice (basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action). |
| Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 | Automatic consent recording; unfair trade practice. |
| Dark Patterns Guidelines, 2023 | Basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action. |
Next Steps
PhysicsWallah must remove all dark patterns from its digital interfaces. The company must also prevent future occurrences. The CCPA emphasized that these practices are concerning, especially for student users.
