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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Prime Video, now with ads: Today's digital citizen is paying more for less
Written by Mrinalini Naik The rapid growth of India's digital ecosystem over the last two decades has transformed how millions of people communicate, shop, learn, and entertain themselves. As India continues its digital surge, a growing number of users are facing a strange irony: The more dominant a platform becomes, the worse the experience gets. E-platforms once promised access, speed, convenience, control, a diverse selection and affordability. For a while, they delivered. But somewhere along the way, the user became less of a priority and more of a target. What we're witnessing now is the decay of digital platforms, a process that has earned a fitting name: 'Enshitification'. Coined by Canadian-British journalist Cory Doctorow, the term refers to how online platforms degrade over time: First serving users, then business clients, and eventually just themselves. For instance, recently, Amazon Prime notified its members that starting June 17, 2025, Prime Video will include advertisements, and if the members want to have an 'ad-free experience' on the OTT platform, they'll have to pay an additional fee on top of the standard Prime membership charges. Similarly, a few days back, both Zomato Gold and Swiggy One updated their terms to include 'rain-surge fees' even for premium subscribers. What began as loyalty programs offering free delivery and priority service now resemble subscription traps that add cost while subtracting value. These are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate business model shift. As user growth plateaus, platforms turn inward, optimising for revenue per user, not user experience. Loyalty is no longer rewarded, it's priced. Coupons dry up for returning customers, free delivery becomes elusive, and core features are throttled behind new paywalls. Customer care has become bot-driven, and live human support is hidden behind multiple steps or unavailable. This phenomenon is plainly visible across India's digital ecosystem. Platforms like Spotify and YouTube constantly flood users with unskippable ads to push premium plans. From e-commerce to grocery and food delivery apps, users are now confronted with an escalating mix of non-negotiable 'platform fees' or 'handling charges' on every order. Multiple layers of fees, like delivery charges for smaller baskets, packaging fees, and surge pricing during peak hours, are added, and membership terms shrink in value over time. If this sounds like paying more to get less, that's because it is. The logic behind this model is simple: Once platforms scale to achieve market dominance and user dependence to become indispensable, monetisation intensifies. Charges once optional become default. However, 'enshitification' is not just limited to fees or the push for paid subscriptions; it's about all the systemic processes that degrade user experience. One such process is device-based price discrimination done by platforms. In 2025, a storm of user complaints and reports revealed that many platforms, specifically quick commerce and ride-hailing apps, were charging more to iPhone users than to Android users for the same route and time, based solely on device data. This profiling, based purely on perceived purchasing power, occurs without consent, transparency, or recourse. From the consumer perspective, it raises serious concerns about fairness, especially in the absence of clear disclosure by platforms. Another issue is that platforms are increasingly relying on dark patterns, that is, manipulative UI/UX to trick users into unwanted choices. Some of these patterns are: Creating 'false urgency', where fake limited stock countdowns push users into hasty decisions; 'basket sneaking', which involves adding unwanted items to the cart or auto-ticking donation boxes without consent; 'drip pricing', where hidden charges appear only at checkout; 'search bias', when platforms prioritise paid listings or ads over more relevant results burying small or local businesses that may offer better value or service; 'nagging', where platforms send continuous notifications or requests to purchase unintended goods or services; and 'subscription trap', making cancellation of paid membership difficult and complex. These patterns are inherently opaque, designed to mislead and extract more without the user actively realising it. To address this issue in 2023, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued guidelines under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, identifying a range of such manipulative practices (dark patterns) for prevention and regulation of those. However, the non-binding nature of Annexure-I (which provides specified dark patterns illustrations) offers guidance and not interpretation of the law. This grants the CCPA scope to offer new explanations of the mentioned practices, creating uncertainty and ambiguity in enforcement procedures. This provides a loophole for the digital platforms to continue indulging in dark patterns. Currently, India's legal framework for digital platforms addresses several important areas through the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and E-Commerce Rules, 2020. These mandate transparency in pricing and prohibit unfair trade practices; the Information Technology Rules, 2021 requires platforms to publish terms of use and establish grievance redress mechanisms; the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 ensures user consent and privacy; and the Competition Act,2002, prohibits practices like predatory pricing or market dominance abuse. However, none of these laws directly regulate user experience or interface design. Additionally, all these regulations are reactive, addressing harm after it occurs. What India needs right now is a forward-looking, ex-ante regulatory approach, inspired by global standards for governing user experience on digital platforms. Much like the EU's Digital Markets Act, the proposed Digital Competition Bill in India, if passed, will be an ex-ante regulation addressing some issues like self-preferencing of products by platforms, restricting users from using third-party applications on their core digital services or tying-bundling of non-essential services to those demanded by users. Though it's a welcome move to improve user experience to some extent, to truly address 'enshitification', India still needs legal frameworks on design and algorithm transparency standards, clearer definitions and binding regulations on dark patterns and mandatory UX audits for large platforms. The writer is an advocate at the Supreme Court of India
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
How much does a breakup really cost — Are you prepared for financial reality?
Breakups are not just emotionally brutal – they can be financially devastating too. Think about it: shared Netflix accounts, co-signed rent agreements, couple trips on EMI, gifts bought on credit, and emotionally-triggered impulsive spending. Ouch! In India, where relationships are becoming more independent and financially entangled, budgeting for a breakup isn't just smart, it's essential. Whether you're dating, live-in, or navigating a situationship, here's why you must prepare your bank balance for heartbreak. That Goa trip? Booked. Those anniversary gifts? Swiped on a credit card. Shared Zomato Gold? Split down the middle. But when the love story ends, the financial story doesn't. In a country where "couple goals" often means planning mini-vacations and buying gifts to keep up with Instagram reels, many young Indians forget to calculate the real cost of love—and the even higher cost of losing it. Breakup budget tip: Always keep shared expenses transparent. Use UPI-based apps like Splitwise or SettleUp. If you're booking something expensive (like flights or furniture), get it in your name only if you're okay bearing the full cost later. In metros, live-in relationships are rising despite societal scrutiny. But when a breakup hits, someone's left scrambling for a new flat, brokerage, deposit, packers, movers—and probably a crying session or two. Suddenly, that ₹ 40K shared rent becomes a solo burden. Or worse, you have to move out within a week, thanks to a fight or a judgmental landlord. Breakup budget tip: Build a 'Freedom Fund'—at least ₹ 50,000 stashed away for emergencies like sudden moves or solo rent. Think of it as your emotional insurance. Netflix. Spotify. Prime. Google One. Couple accounts save money—until they don't. Breakups bring awkward 'Who gets the password?' fights. Worse, your ex's new date might be chilling on your Netflix. Breakup budget tip: Use family plans with actual family. Or if you're sharing, create separate profiles and payment methods. Keep digital independence—it's cheaper than emotional baggage. Heartbreak = Swiggy binge + Zara spree + impulsive Goa tickets. Emotional spending is real. For many Indians, buying feels like healing. But swiping your sadness leads to long-term pain. Breakup budget tip: Give yourself a fixed 'healing budget.' Take ₹ 5K– ₹ 10K and spend it guilt-free on food, therapy, or a trip. Beyond that, rein it in. There are apps on Google Play Store and Apple Store to help you track and cap spending. This one's for serious couples. Bought crypto together? Booked a flat under both names? Opened a joint account? Congratulations, you now have a legal entanglement post-breakup. India doesn't recognise live-in breakups like divorces, so sorting joint assets can be a nightmare. Breakup budget tip: Unless you're legally married, or have serious commitments, don't invest together. In fact, when investing together in gold, mutual funds, or business, use written contracts. Breakups will take a toll on your emotional health. Therapy cost usually ranges between ₹ 500 to ₹ 3000 per session, and they are rarely covered by insurance. Breakup budget tip: Make sure you factor in mental health into your financial plan. And use affordable online therapy resources. Good mental health leads to good financial decisions. Indians are romanticising their relationship beyond tradition, yet they are often stuck in traditional practices regarding finances. We plan for marriages, not for breakups. But the practical fact of the matter is that without a budget, a break-up can hijack not just your heart, but your soul, money, and sense of security. Whether you're swiping on Bumble or celebrating your third anniversary, financial independence and a breakup budget are non-negotiable. Remember that you can not control when love ends, but you can control how broken it leaves you.
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Zomato, Swiggy now levy rain surcharge on Gold, One premium users
Food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy have started charging a rain surcharge to their premium subscribers, ending a previous exemption for Zomato Gold and Swiggy One members. The fee, which typically ranges between ₹15 and ₹35, was earlier waived for premium users but applied to general customers. Both companies said the surcharge is intended to support delivery executives during adverse weather conditions, The Economic Times reported. The shift comes as Zomato and Swiggy focus on improving profitability and narrowing operational losses. Zomato Q4 FY25 results Eternal Ltd (Zomato) reported a consolidated net profit of ₹39 crore for the fourth quarter of FY25, marking a 77 per cent decline compared to the same period last fiscal year. The drop in net profit was primarily attributed to a significant rise in expenses, which grew by 63 per cent to ₹6,104 crore. Swiggy Q4 FY25 results Meanwhile, Swiggy Limited reported a consolidated loss of ₹1,081.1 crore for Q4 FY25, widening by 95 per cent year-on-year from ₹554.7 crore. Sequentially, the net loss increased by 35.3 per cent from ₹799 crore. The growing losses were attributed to the expansion of Swiggy's quick commerce business. Market reaction On Friday, Zomato and Swiggy shares rose following the announcement of the surcharge change. At 2:40 pm, Zomato was trading at ₹246.10 apiece, up 1.5 per cent, while Swiggy was trading at ₹321.90 apiece, registering a 1.8 per cent gain on the BSE.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Zomato Gold members will have to pay ‘extra' for delivery on these days
has announced a change to its Gold membership benefits, revealing that subscribers will no longer be exempt from surge fees on certain days. Starting May 16 (Friday), Gold members will be required to pay surge fees during rainy weather. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, the company has not clarified the exact amount of these charges. The update has been communicated to users via an in-app notification, which read: 'Starting May 16, surge fee waiver during rains will not be part of your Gold benefits.' As per the notification, the additional fee will help the company provide better compensation to its delivery partners during adverse weather conditions. This adjustment comes just a week after Zomato paused its 50:50 refund-sharing policy with partner restaurants, another move that drew attention across the food delivery and restaurant industry. The rain surge fee had previously been waived for Gold members, making the change a likely point of frustration for some subscribers. Zomato has not announced any compensatory benefits or adjustments to Gold membership pricing at this time. Swiggy already charges rain fees Meanwhile, rival Swiggy also charges similar surge fees during rainy weather, even for its subscription members, suggesting this could become a standard practice across platforms. Previously, Zomato Gold offered benefits such as free delivery from nearby partner restaurants and rain fee waivers. While free delivery within 7km and up to 30% dining discounts will still be available, the new surge fees during rainy weather could make frequent orders more expensive. Zomato Gold still offers unlimited free deliveries from select partner outlets, though a few, like Domino's and others with their own logistics, are excluded. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These partner restaurants are marked with a 'Free Delivery' tag to help users identify them. It's also worth noting that Zomato already charges a fee during the festive season, a move the company has acknowledged, explaining that the fee helps cover operational costs and has slightly increased to maintain services during that period.
India Today
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Zomato changes Gold Membership benefits, now in rain it won't help you much
Zomato is set to make a change that could disappoint many of its loyal Gold members. Starting May 16, the company will begin charging an additional rain fee even for users subscribed to its Gold membership plan — a cost that was earlier waived as part of the perks. Here is everything we know about latest change was quietly announced via the app, and we have received the notification about it, just as the monsoon season begins to make its way into several Indian cities. Rain surcharges — typically ranging between Rs 15 and Rs 35 — have long been applied during bad weather, but Gold users were previously shielded from it. That will no longer be the far, Zomato Gold has offered benefits like free delivery from nearby partner restaurants and rain fee waivers. But now, while free delivery under 7km and up to 30 per cent dining discounts remain, the added cost during rain could make frequent ordering more expensive. Zomato has explained the move by saying the fee helps provide better payouts to delivery partners working under tough conditions. However, some users have questioned the lack of clarity around how this money is distributed and whether the company is transparent about rival Swiggy also continues to impose similar fees during rain, even for members of its own subscription plan, showing that this may become the norm across worth noting that Zomato Gold still includes unlimited free deliveries from select outlets, excluding a few such as Domino's and others that manage their own logistics. These partner restaurants carry a 'Free Delivery' tag to help users identify them. It is worth noting that the company already charges a fee during the festive season, something which Zomato acknowledged, saying: "This fee helps us pay our bills to keep Zomato running. To maintain services during the festive season, it has increased slightly,"That said, the removal of the rain fee exemption could reduce the overall value of the Gold membership for many users — especially during monsoon months when such charges become frequent. Whether customers continue to see the membership as worth the price remains to be seen.
