SpiceJet fined Rs 1 lakh by CCPA for 'dark patterns' in bookings; airline blames technical error

The CCPA penalised SpiceJet Rs 1 lakh for deploying three dark patterns on its booking platform, including pre-ticked loyalty enrolment and promotional consent boxes. SpiceJet called it a technical error and must submit an undertaking confirming permanent corrective measures.

— Source publishedFri, 17 Jul, 2026, 21:05 IST·First seen Fri, 17 Jul, 2026, 21:34 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

CCPA fined SpiceJet Rs 1 lakh for deploying dark patterns on its booking platform, including pre-ticked loyalty enrolment and promotional consent boxes. The

Key facts

  • Rs 1 lakh penalty
  • 3 dark patterns

Why this matters

This first-of-its-kind CCPA action signals a widening regulatory perimeter on dark patterns, making consent-hygiene diligence a new checklist item for acquisitions of consumer digital assets.

What to watch

  • CCPA issuing notices to additional airlines or major OTAs/e-commerce players
  • Any repeat-offence or escalated penalty signalling harsher enforcement
  • Consumer advocacy groups filing complaints citing this precedent
  • MCA/CCPA guidance clarifying scope of 'technical error' defence
  • Media naming specific brands with similar pre-ticked patterns
  • Audit own checkout, booking, and subscription flows for the 13 CCPA-listed dark patterns, prioritising pre-ticked boxes and forced enrolment
  • Convert all consent and loyalty opt-ins to unchecked, explicit opt-in states with clear labelling
  • Document a corrective-measures undertaking template in case of inquiry
  • Brief growth/UX teams that conversion tactics relying on default consent are now enforcement risk
  • Benchmark competitor checkout flows to gauge relative exposure

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