A new tipping option on the Uber app has stirred controversy, drawing attention from both social media users and government authorities. The feature, which suggests that riders can add a tip before the trip begins in exchange for quicker service, is now under official scrutiny. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a notice to Uber, questioning the ethics of nudging customers to pay extra for better service.
Tipping before the ride?
Users booking a ride on Uber have recently come across a message offering an “advance tip” option. The app shows fixed tip amounts– Rs 50, Rs 75, and Rs 100– along with a message that reads: “Add a tip for faster pickup. A driver may be more likely to accept this ride if you add a tip.”
The platform also mentions that “the driver receives 100% of the tip” and warns that once added, the tip cannot be changed. The move has sparked widespread debate online, with many questioning whether tipping should influence the availability or speed of service.
Government flags concern
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, took a strong stand against the feature, calling it “unethical” and an “exploitative” business move. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “The practice of ‘Advance Tip’ is deeply concerning. Forcing or nudging users to pay a tip in advance, for faster service, is unethical and exploitative. Such actions fall under unfair trade practices. Tip is given as a token of appreciation, not as a matter of right, after the service.”
Joshi further confirmed that the CCPA has acted on the matter: “Taking cognisance of this, I had asked CCPA to look into it and today, CCPA has issued a notice to @Uber in this regard, seeking explanation from the platform.”
Call for fair digital practices
The minister also emphasised that all digital platforms must prioritise user rights. “Fairness, transparency, and accountability must be upheld in all customer interactions,” Joshi stated in his post.
Earlier action on pricing differences
This isn’t the first time Uber has found itself in the spotlight. In January, the CCPA had served notices to both Uber and Ola following complaints about potential fare differences based on the mobile operating system used, specifically, whether a user was on Android or iOS. At the time, both companies denied any discriminatory pricing.
Awaiting Uber’s response
As of now, Uber has not issued a public response to the notice. With the matter gaining attention both online and at the policy level, further developments are expected in the coming days.
Tipping before the ride?
Users booking a ride on Uber have recently come across a message offering an “advance tip” option. The app shows fixed tip amounts– Rs 50, Rs 75, and Rs 100– along with a message that reads: “Add a tip for faster pickup. A driver may be more likely to accept this ride if you add a tip.”
The platform also mentions that “the driver receives 100% of the tip” and warns that once added, the tip cannot be changed. The move has sparked widespread debate online, with many questioning whether tipping should influence the availability or speed of service.
Government flags concern
The practice of 'Advance Tip' is deeply concerning. Forcing or nudging users to pay a tip in advance, for faster service is unethical and exploitative. Such actions fall under unfair trade practices. Tip is given as a token of appreciation not as a matter of right, after the… pic.twitter.com/WaPH26oT9G
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) May 21, 2025
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, took a strong stand against the feature, calling it “unethical” and an “exploitative” business move. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “The practice of ‘Advance Tip’ is deeply concerning. Forcing or nudging users to pay a tip in advance, for faster service, is unethical and exploitative. Such actions fall under unfair trade practices. Tip is given as a token of appreciation, not as a matter of right, after the service.”
Joshi further confirmed that the CCPA has acted on the matter: “Taking cognisance of this, I had asked CCPA to look into it and today, CCPA has issued a notice to @Uber in this regard, seeking explanation from the platform.”
Call for fair digital practices
The minister also emphasised that all digital platforms must prioritise user rights. “Fairness, transparency, and accountability must be upheld in all customer interactions,” Joshi stated in his post.
Earlier action on pricing differences
This isn’t the first time Uber has found itself in the spotlight. In January, the CCPA had served notices to both Uber and Ola following complaints about potential fare differences based on the mobile operating system used, specifically, whether a user was on Android or iOS. At the time, both companies denied any discriminatory pricing.
Awaiting Uber’s response
As of now, Uber has not issued a public response to the notice. With the matter gaining attention both online and at the policy level, further developments are expected in the coming days.
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