By Admin 
Indian audio streaming platform Kuku FM is in the final stages of raising new funding of about Rs 600 crore. This investment is likely to meet Singapore -based investment firm Granite Asia. This development is happening at a time when concerns about subscription policies and billing transparency of digital platforms are increasing.
Allegations of misleading subscription techniques
On some other content apps including Kuku FM & ldquo; dark patterns & rdquo; There are allegations of using These are user interface techniques that inadvertently signs users for paid services.
According to the complaints of the users, many platforms offer a trial offer in a very low price (₹ 1 or ₹ 2), but as soon as the trial is over, the amount of ₹ 149 to ₹ 699 is made without clear information or consent. Many users have sent complaints to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), calling such cuttings misleading and opaque.
Critics believe that such billing strategies can increase the revenue and valuation of companies, which makes it easier to get investment. From this the question is also arising whether it is morally appropriate to achieve business success through such strategies?
Apart from Kuku FM, platforms like Stage and Seekho have also been related to similar cases. According to reports, these companies are making it difficult for users to cancel the subscription or understand billing conditions by taking advantage of the weaknesses of digital payment systems.
Government strictness and new guidelines
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has taken this issue seriously. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi recently expressed concern over it and emphasized the need for moral conduct in digital economy. In response to this, the government & ldquo; dark patterns & rdquo; Guidelines have been issued against all digital platforms to implement them.
Companies under these guidelines:
Regular audit of your platform should be done so that misleading elements can be identified. Users should clearly inform users about charge, renewal and billing conditions. User protection and moral trade policy should be preferred. The rapid increase in complaints on the National Consumer Helpline is making this entire issue more serious.
On the one hand, this possible funding to Kuku FM shows the growing investor in the Indian audio content market, on the other hand this incident is taking place amidst the demand for transparency and user friendly experience. As the rules are getting tough and consumers are becoming aware, the digital content sector is now entering a period where trust and clarity, development and capital can be as important.