The problem
Subscription traps that are impossible to cancel, hidden charges added at checkout, forced auto-renewals, confirm-shaming, basket sneaking, and false urgency. These deceptive design patterns trick consumers into actions they didn't intend.
Your legal rights
- CCPA Dark Patterns Guidelines (Nov 2023): Lists and bans 13 specific dark patterns — subscription traps, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, false urgency, bait & switch, drip pricing, disguised ads, nagging, trick questions, SaaS billing, rogue malware, and interface interference.
- CPA 2019 §2(47): Dark patterns constitute unfair trade practices.
- Penalty: Up to ₹10 lakh for first offence, up to ₹50 lakh for repeat offences.
- CCPA Enforcement: The Central Consumer Protection Authority can issue directions, impose penalties, and order product recall.
How to escalate
- Document the dark pattern with screenshots and screen recordings.
- Send a legal notice under CPA 2019 & CCPA Dark Patterns Guidelines.
- File a complaint with the CCPA via the Department of Consumer Affairs.
- If the company uses your data deceptively, escalate under the DPDP Act 2023 to MeitY.
Generate your legal notice
Lawly's AI identifies the specific dark pattern, cites the CCPA Guidelines 2023, and generates a notice demanding refund + compensation.
Start your notice — ₹199