NEW DELHI: Taking cognisance of the TOI report on the disparity in cab fares displayed simultaneously on Android and IOS devices for identical rides by ride-hailing platforms, Union consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday ordered Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for a detailed investigation into the matter.
He has directed the consumer affairs department to look into other sectors as well such as food delivery apps and online ticket booking apps.
Tagging the TOI report, the minister tweeted, “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 to the consumer’s right to know. 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.”
Officials said they will collect the evidence and seek the response of the cab aggregators and other such platforms dealing with food delivery and online ticket booking.
Former consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said, “This is clearly discriminatory and a dark pattern kind of unfair trading practice as your device data is being used against you without your express consent.”
In the past, CCPA has issued several instructions to the cab aggregators for protection of consumer rights. Officials said both Uber and Ola have complied with most of the directions.