Govt probes ecommerce platforms over add-on charges for cash-on-delivery

The government has launched a probe into ecommerce platforms for allegedly charging customers extra for cash-on-delivery (CoD), after receiving complaints that the practice misleads buyers and violates consumer rights.

Consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi called such charges a “dark pattern” on Friday and said that the Department of Consumer Affairs has initiated an investigation.

“Strict action will be taken against those violating consumer rights, to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India’s growing e-commerce sector’’,…