A recent survey has uncovered alarming practices in India's ride-hailing industry, revealing that a staggering 80% of app-based taxi users encounter dark patterns and hidden charges while using these platforms.
Nagging Tactics Dominate User Experience
The comprehensive study found that 78% of respondents reported experiencing persistent nagging approaches during their ride-hailing experiences. These manipulative tactics include repeated prompts and pressure tactics that appear frequently throughout the booking and payment process.
Users specifically highlighted how requests for tips and other additional charges would appear multiple times, creating an uncomfortable and pressurized environment. The survey, conducted across major Indian cities, exposes the widespread nature of these deceptive practices in the rapidly growing ride-hailing sector.
Understanding Dark Patterns in Ride-Hailing Apps
Dark patterns refer to manipulative design techniques that trick users into taking actions they might not otherwise choose. In the context of ride-hailing platforms, these often manifest as confusing interface designs, hidden costs that only appear at the final payment stage, and repeated prompts that make it difficult to complete transactions without adding extra services.
The survey results, published on November 12, 2025, indicate that these practices have become systemic across multiple platforms operating in the Indian market. Bengaluru emerged as one of the key cities where these findings were particularly pronounced, though the issue appears nationwide.
Impact on Consumer Trust and Spending
The prevalence of these practices raises serious concerns about consumer protection and transparency in digital platforms. Many users reported feeling frustrated by the constant upselling and the difficulty in identifying the actual final cost of their rides until the very end of the booking process.
Industry experts suggest that the findings highlight the need for stronger regulatory oversight and clearer guidelines about what constitutes fair practice in app design and pricing transparency. As more Indians rely on ride-hailing services for daily transportation, the impact of these dark patterns on consumer trust and overall spending becomes increasingly significant.
The survey results serve as a crucial wake-up call for both platform operators and regulators to address these manipulative practices and ensure fair treatment for all users of app-based taxi services in India.
