CCPA Fines Ola Rs 10 Lakh Over Misleading ‘Pay Extra For Faster Ride’ Prompts

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on ANI Technologies, which operates Ola, for displaying misleading prompts asking customers to pay extra for faster ride confirmation.

In an order dated November 10, 2026, the regulator termed the pre-selected additional payment option an unfair trade practice, misleading advertisement and prohibited dark pattern.The CCPA cited Ola’s own booking data, which showed that ride acceptance rates were significantly lower for requests with the additional payment prompt. In Delhi, only 32% of such requests were accepted, compared to 68% without the prompt. In Bengaluru, the corresponding figures were 39% and 68%.

The authority also objected to the use of the term ‘tip’, noting that customers were asked to pay before a driver had even accepted the booking.

The action followed a complaint filed in May 2025. Despite regulatory warnings, the prompts reportedly continued appearing on the app, with suggested payments rising from Rs 10 to as much as Rs 140.

The CCPA has directed Ola to discontinue such prompts and submit a compliance report within 15 days. It said the maximum penalty for a first contravention was necessary to ensure deterrence.

Ola had maintained that the additional payment was voluntary, went entirely to drivers and did not guarantee faster ride confirmation.