🚀 Medial Secures Investment on Shark Tank India - Fueling the Future of Professional Social Networking. 🔥
Login

News on Medial

Related News

Month after CCPA notice, advance tipping continues on Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Namma Yatri

EntrackrEntrackr · 1m ago
Month after CCPA notice, advance tipping continues on Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Namma Yatri
Medial

Month after CCPA notice, advance tipping continues on Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Namma Yatri More than a month after the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a notice to ride-hailing apps such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido over their advance tipping feature, the controversial practice still remains active on these platforms. The advance tipping feature allows users to tip for a service in advance, which many view as a tactic to nudge drivers into accepting pickups. Users have criticized the feature, reporting being nudged or defaulted into paying tips before even beginning their ride, calling it misleading and unfair. As of June 22, there has been no public update on the progress of the investigation. Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the government takes these concerns seriously and that the CCPA is investigating. Despite this, Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Namma Yatri still show users tipping options during the payment process or in the fare summary. Many users on platforms like X and Reddit have complained about being charged tips by default or not having a clear way to opt out. An Uber spokesperson said, “We are committed to providing a world-class experience every time someone chooses Uber. Based on feedback from riders, drivers, and our broader community, we’ve made some updates to the app. We continue to engage with the authorities on this issue." Ola, Rapido, Namma Yatri, and the CCPA did not respond to queries until the time of publication. Critics argue that placing tipping within the booking process without clear consent amounts to an unfair trade practice. The continuation of the feature has prompted questions about regulatory enforcement and raised concerns about violations of consumer rights. Earlier this year, Ola and Uber received notices from the CCPA over alleged fare disparities between iPhone and Android users. However, both companies denied the claims and maintained that they follow a uniform fare structure regardless of the smartphone used.

ETtech Explainer: Why is Amazon’s $4-billion investment in Anthropic significant?

Economic TimesEconomic Times · 1y ago
ETtech Explainer: Why is Amazon’s $4-billion investment in Anthropic significant?
Medial

Amazon has invested an additional $2.75 billion in AI startup Anthropic, bringing its total investment to $4 billion. The partnership aims to enhance customer experiences by leveraging Anthropic's expertise in generative artificial intelligence. Amazon gains access to AI systems and specialized computer chips developed by Anthropic, which will align with Amazon's AI initiatives and its cloud computing service. This investment aligns with the trend of large tech companies investing in AI startups to advance their AI capabilities. Microsoft's investment in OpenAI and its ChatGPT is an example of a similar strategy. Apple is also gearing up to announce its plans for generative AI later this year.

ETtech Explainer: Why does X support proposed digital competition law while Meta, Google, Apple oppose it?

Economic TimesEconomic Times · 1y ago
ETtech Explainer: Why does X support proposed digital competition law while Meta, Google, Apple oppose it?
Medial

Microblogging site X, previously known as Twitter, is the only social media company supporting an ex-ante regulatory framework proposed by the Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL). They believe that regulatory institutions should be equipped with skilled academics to monitor technological developments. X also emphasizes the importance of carefully defining Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs) and complying with data protection norms. Unlike other tech giants, X isn't classified as a gatekeeper platform, therefore, the proposed ex-ante restrictions won't significantly impact their business. While X supports the regulation, they also highlight the need to avoid over-regulation that may hinder digital aspirations and innovative growth.

Download the medial app to read full posts, comements and news.