consumer protection
Sanchar Saathi App Discussed With All Mobile Manufacturers Except Apple: Communications Minister Highlights Fraud Prevention Benefits
Dec 02, 2025 10:39 pm CST
Communications Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani explains that the Sanchar Saathi app, designed to combat cyber fraud and help locate lost mobile devices, has been discussed with all mobile phone manufacturers except Apple. With 1.4 crore downloads already, the app allows users to easily report fraudulent calls and messages, helping protect against financial fraud that cost Indians Rs 23,000 crore last year. The minister emphasized that the app collects only limited data and can be installed or deleted at users' discretion.
26 E-Commerce Platforms Declare Compliance with Dark Pattern Prevention Guidelines in India
Nov 20, 2025 04:56 pm CST
Major e-commerce companies including Zepto, Zomato, Swiggy, JioMart and BigBasket have officially declared their platforms free from deceptive dark patterns, following India's 2023 Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns. This initiative represents a significant step toward protecting consumer rights in digital marketplaces, with all 26 companies confirming they've eliminated manipulative user interface designs through self-audits or third-party verification.
Lina Khan: From FTC Chair to Key Advisor in Mamdani's NYC Transition Team
Nov 15, 2025 05:44 pm CST
Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan joins NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team as co-chair, bringing her expertise in antitrust enforcement and economic policy. Known for challenging Big Tech during her historic tenure as the youngest FTC Chair, Khan will now help shape New York City's affordability initiatives and economic direction as Mamdani prepares to take office in January 2026.
Former FTC Chair Lina Khan Explores Expanding NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Executive Powers Through Underutilized Laws
Nov 15, 2025 02:17 pm CST
Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, now co-chair of Zohran Mamdani's transition team, is investigating underutilized legal authorities to maximize the NYC mayor-elect's executive powers. Khan aims to help implement Mamdani's ambitious $10 billion affordability agenda, including free public transportation and universal childcare, despite potential opposition from Governor Hochul and regulatory challenges.
Microsoft Offers Refunds to Australian Customers Following AI Price Hike Controversy
Nov 09, 2025 03:53 pm CST
Microsoft has apologized to Australian customers and offered refunds following backlash over a 45% price increase for Microsoft 365 subscriptions after integrating its Copilot AI feature. Approximately 2.7 million Australians are eligible for refunds as the company faces legal action from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for allegedly misleading consumers about cheaper non-AI subscription alternatives.
Europe's Regulatory Failure: The Shein and Temu E-commerce Safety Crisis
Nov 07, 2025 05:54 pm CST
The European regulatory system faces a critical challenge as Chinese e-commerce giants Shein and Temu exploit loopholes to flood the market with unsafe products. Despite recent discoveries of weapons and inappropriate items on these platforms, EU authorities have been slow to enforce existing regulations, highlighting the urgent need for customs reform and stronger oversight in the rapidly growing cross-border e-commerce sector.
India Cracks Down on E-commerce 'Dark Patterns': Minister Targets Extra Cash-on-Delivery Fees
Oct 04, 2025 02:44 am CST
Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announces strict action against e-commerce platforms charging extra fees for cash-on-delivery, classifying it as a deceptive 'dark pattern' practice. The government has initiated investigations following consumer complaints about hidden charges, as part of broader efforts to ensure transparency and fair practices in India's growing online retail sector.
India Takes Strict Action Against E-Commerce Platforms Charging Unfair Cash-on-Delivery Fees
Oct 04, 2025 01:53 am CST
India's Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced strict action against e-commerce platforms imposing unfair fees like Cash-on-Delivery charges. The government has launched investigations into these "dark pattern" practices and is simultaneously monitoring how companies pass GST benefits to consumers, having already resolved nearly 4,000 complaints. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and fair practices in India's rapidly growing e-commerce sector.
Drishti IAS Fined Rs 5 Lakh by CCPA for Misleading UPSC Result Advertisements
Oct 03, 2025 03:27 pm CST
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has imposed a Rs 5 lakh penalty on Drishti IAS for publishing misleading advertisements about UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 results. The coaching institute claimed 216 selections but failed to disclose that 75% of these candidates only participated in their free Interview Guidance Programme after independently clearing preliminary and main exams. This marks the second penalty for similar violations, highlighting ongoing issues with transparency in coaching institute advertisements.