Hidden fees, subscription traps, fake urgency: these dark tricks are used by applications, and to rationalize the study

The drip pricing appeared – where hidden fees are detected only at the final exit step – as one of the most common dark patterns in Indian applications and digital platforms, according to a new study conducted by the local community platform.

The report, based on reactions from more than 230,000 consumers in 392 provinces and covers 228 platforms, found that 48 % of Indian applications and sites use drip pricing tactics, making them the second most widely used darker style after “forced procedure” (used by 54 % of platforms).

The drip pricing is especially common in sectors such as e -commerce, fast trade, travel, food delivery, airlines, events tickets, and taxi services. Common tactics include hiding delivery fees, comfort fees, processing fees, or additional weather fees until the user reaches the final payment screen – sometimes the price offered at the beginning.

Despite the Consumer Protection Law, 2019, it clarifies penalties of 20 rupees for a six -month prison for violations, the use of dark patterns is still widespread across sectors such as travel, hospitality, banking services, insurance and e -commerce, highlighting the executive weakness and limited compliance so far.

The study also found that the platforms in EDTECH, Fintech, OTT and online banking services are often used seven or more dark patterns out of 13 officially defined by the CIA (CCPA). These include bait and switching offers, subscription traps, shame confirmation, and convincing ads.

Multiple dark patterns

The study revealed that multiple dark patterns-seven or more-are usually found in sectors such as Edtech, online banking services, e-commerce, ott platforms, horseback applications and e-commerce based on stock, delivery of food, fast trade, applications, programs, health services, events tickets, and online payment.

Among the sectors that are close to four to six dark patterns, including mobile communications, online games, digital lending, sound aides, online insurance, and professional employment platforms.

Finally, the sectors that contain one to three dark patterns have been reported to be seized train tickets, car rental, music flow, mobile devices, online financial trading, and electric motorcycle services.

Forced work: the most common dark style

The analysis found that forced work is the most widespread dark style, observed in 123 platforms (100 %). This is followed by a punishable price in 109 platforms (48 %), taste and switching in 76 platforms (33 %), and subscription trap in 74 platforms (34 %).

In the next layer, interface interference is used by 58 platforms (25 %), shame confirmation through 51 platforms (22 %), annoying tactics of 39 platforms (17 %), and basketball by 31 platforms (14 %).

The lower patterns include false urgency (25 platforms, 11 %), saas bills (19 platforms, 8 %), and convincing ads (15 platforms, 7 %). The trick method was determined on only one platform (0.44 %).

Local degrees confirmed that drip pricing manipulates users to make purchases, may avoid authorities and urged the authorities to enhance their enforcement. “The final price can end up much higher than the basic price, and consumers often have a big choice but to follow up,” the report stated.

Advanced advice

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently started the investigation of OLA and Rapido to determine whether they are pressing users to pay pre -tips in exchange for the miracle service. This investigation comes after Uber received a notification of the same practice just one day.

Uber has launched an “advanced advice” feature on its application, allowing users to raise drivers before reserving a trip with inclusion that may lead to a faster service. Users are required to add a limb of 50 rupees, 75 rupees, or 100 rupees during the reservation process, with a message stating, “Add advice to receive faster. It may be likely to accept the driver of this trip if you add advice.”

In a similar way, Rabdo advised users to increase the passenger fare, noting that drivers are unwilling to accept it at the current price. Likewise, Ola informs users that adding advice may improve their chances of securing a ride immediately. Legal experts described this practice as “coercive” and may constitute an unfair commercial practice.