Archive · 5 Dec 2025
CCPA fines Zepto for dark patterns and hidden fees
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in India has fined the quick commerce platform Zepto ₹700,000 for using tricks to make people pay more than they expected.
Zepto was showing lower prices at first but adding extra fees later, which is called drip pricing.
They also added extra services to people's shopping carts without asking, called basket sneaking.
The CCPA said these practices are unfair and against the rules.
Zepto has been told to stop these tricks and show all fees upfront.
This is part of a bigger effort to make sure online shopping is fair and honest for everyone.
Other companies like Rapido have also been fined for similar reasons.
Zepto fined ₹700,000 by CCPA for using dark patterns and hidden fees.
Violations include drip pricing and basket sneaking, which mislead consumers.
CCPA ordered Zepto to stop these practices and disclose all charges upfront.
Zepto argued that fees were disclosed in terms of use and were seller-imposed.
This is the second fine issued by CCPA following notices to 11 companies in May 2024.
- Who
- Zepto, a quick commerce platform in India
- What
- Fined ₹700,000 by the CCPA for using dark patterns and hidden fees
- When
- January 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- For violating the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, through deceptive practices like drip pricing and basket sneaking
- Company Fined
- Zepto
- Penalty Amount
- ₹700,000
- Violations
- Dark patterns, drip pricing, basket sneaking
- Regulatory Body
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
- Date of Order
- January 2025
- Compliance Deadline
- 15 days from order
- Previous Fine
- Rapido fined ₹10,00,000 in August 2024