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Ola, Uber Get Govt Notices Over iPhone, Android Differential Pricing Claims

The government has issued notices to Ola and Uber over speculation of differential pricing based on the make of the mobile phone used for booking the ride.

By Ishita Ganguly
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Government issues notice against Ola, Uber

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The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued notices to the leading ride-hailing companies Ola and Uber over speculation of differential pricing, i.e., customers are quoted different fares based on the make of the mobile phone - iPhone or Android - used to book the ride.

Minister Prahlad Joshi takes bold step against Ola, Uber

"As a follow-up to the earlier observation of apparent differential pricing based on different models of mobiles - iPhone / Android - being used, Department of Consumer Affairs, through the CCPA (or Central Consumer Protection Authority), has issued notices to major cab aggregators Ola and Uber, seeking their responses," Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated tagging Consumer Affairs @jagograhakjago

Last month the Minister warned these two companies there will be "zero tolerance for consumer exploitation", and asked the CCPA to conduct a thorough investigation. He said the practice of differential pricing, if it prevailed, was a "blatant disregard" for consumers' rights.

"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 below. If so, this is blatant disregard for consumers' rights to know," Minister Joshi wrote in a post on X.

He disclosed directing checks into other sectors, such as food delivery and online ticketing apps, to see if consumers were facing similar issues.

The matter came to the public and government attention after an X user - @seriousfunnyguy - posted a screengrab of an iPhone and an Android device, side-by-side, showing two rates for the same Uber trip.

"Same pickup point, destination and time... but two different phones get two different rates. It happens with me as I always get higher rates on my Uber as compared to my daughter's phone. So, most of the time, I request her to book my Uber. Does this happen with you also?" the individual enquired.

Also read: 'First 'Made-in-India' Chip to Roll Out in 2025': Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (startuppedia.in)

Tags: ola uber