CCPA Targets Ola and Uber Over Alleged Price Disparities on Different Devices
NEW DELHI: In a significant move, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to major cab aggregators Ola and Uber following growing complaints about price discrepancies for identical rides when booked on Android versus iOS devices. Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi announced the action on Thursday, highlighting a troubling trend in fare structures that appear to favor one operating system over another.
The CCPA’s decision comes after numerous commuters reported paying higher fares on iPhones compared to Android devices for the same trips booked at the same time. “The Department of Consumer Affairs, through the CCPA, has issued notices to major cab aggregators seeking their responses to the observed pricing discrepancies,” Joshi remarked in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
This issue is not new; a December investigation had previously uncovered similar findings, where iOS users were consistently charged more than their Android counterparts. Experts speculate that these price differences may be rooted in the way ride-hailing apps access hardware data during the app installation process, potentially leading to varying fare calculations based on the permissions granted by users.
The CCPA is demanding comprehensive explanations from both Ola and Uber to address the allegations, focusing on the imperative of transparency in pricing practices. If differential pricing is confirmed, it could prompt broader discussions regarding fairness in the ride-hailing landscape and the protection of consumer rights.
As the investigation unfolds, responses from Ola and Uber are awaited. The scenario underscores a growing scrutiny of digital platforms and their pricing algorithms, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring that consumers receive fair treatment, irrespective of the devices they choose to use.