New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) There will be zero tolerance for consumer exploitation, said Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi over price differentiation between iPhone and Android users on ride-hailing apps.
Joshi said this while responding to a media report that claimed that ride-hailing apps’ algorithms were programmed to charge Apple users higher than those using Andriod phones.
“This prima facie looks like unfair trade practice where the cab aggregators are alleged to be using Differential Pricing based on the factors mentioned in the article. If so, this is blatant disregard to consumer’s right to know,” Joshi said in a post on social media platform X.
Noting “zero tolerance for consumer exploitation,” he directed the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to examine instances of pricing discrepancies. Besides ride-hailing apps, the Union Minister also ordered inquiry into such practices among food delivery apps and online ticket booking apps.
“I have directed @jagograhakjago through CCPA to conduct a detailed inquiry into this and submit a report at the earliest. Have asked the department to look into other sectors as well like, food delivery apps, online ticket booking apps, etc,” Joshi said.
The probe follows media reports highlighting price disparities between mobile platforms for the same journey.
Earlier, Niraali Parekh, Founder and Creative Director of Bokap Designs, also highlighted the price difference between Android and one iPhone while booking an Uber ride.
In a LinkedIn post, he recounted how his colleague who booked an Uber ride using Android and iPhone phones simultaneously, for the same pick-up and drop-off points saw significant differences in fares.
“On Android, the fare was Rs 290.79 and on iPhone, the fare jumped to Rs 342.47,” he said.
While some users called the pricing strategy an inevitable consequence of a data-driven business model, others stated that this model also works on MakeMyTrip while booking hotels.
–IANS
rvt/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
