Ola denies Charging Differential Pricing for iPhone, Android Users in India, Uber, Google, Apple

Ola, which provides cab service through the app, has refused to decide the pricing based on the user’s smartphone. Earlier, Uber had also refuted the allegation of different pricing for Apple and Android smartphones. Last week, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had sent notices to both these cab companies on the allegation of charging different prices on the basis of smartphones.

“We have a uniform pricing structure for all customers and we do not charge rides differently based on the operating system of the user’s smartphone,” said an Ola Consumer spokesperson. He told that we have made this clear to CCPA. Ola Consumer will work with CCPA to resolve any misconceptions regarding this. Apple and Google did not respond to requests for comment sent by Reuters.

Earlier, Uber had also refused to decide the pricing based on the smartphones of the users. Many users on social media had complained about Ola and Uber charging different prices based on Apple and Android smartphones. After this, CCPA sent notices to both these companies regarding the alleged difference in pricing. Consumer Affairs Minister, Pralhad Joshi, in a post on social media platform Joshi had said that he would direct CCPA to investigate allegations of differential pricing in other segments like food delivery and online ticketing.

India is one of Uber’s biggest markets. Recently Joshi had said that discrimination in pricing is a major violation of consumers’ rights. In October last year, CCPA had issued a show cause notice to Ola Electric, one of the largest electric two-wheeler companies, over alleged violation of consumer rights, misleading advertisements and unfair business practices. The CCPA had conducted a preliminary investigation into a large number of complaints against Ola Electric. In this, violations like violation of customers’ rights, misleading advertisements and deficiencies in service were found. After this, the Director General of Investigation of CCPA was given the responsibility to investigate this matter.