Are Ola, Uber charging different fares for Android and iPhone users?

North News

New Delhi, January 24

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notice to the Ola and Uber over allegations of differential pricing based on mobile phone operating systems. Notices have been issued to both ride-hailing giants following complaints that consumers are being charged different rates depending on whether they use iPhones or Android devices. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi addressed the issue on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “As a follow-up to the earlier observation of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on the different models of mobiles (#iPhones/#Android) being used, the Department of Consumer Affairs through the CCPA has issued notices to major cab aggregators #Ola and #Uber, seeking their responses.” The allegations emerged after commuters flagged significant rate discrepancies for identical routes when booking rides through iPhones compared to Android devices. Joshi termed the practice “unfair trade practice” and emphasized the government’s commitment to consumer rights. Last month, he ordered an inquiry into the matter and tweeted, “Zero tolerance for consumer exploitation!!”

He further criticized the practice, calling it a “blatant disregard” of consumers’ right to transparency.