LocalCircles Seeks CCPA Crackdown on JioHotstar, Zee5, Prime Over Subscription 'Dark Patterns'
A LocalCircles survey of 118,000 users across 324 districts found 60% of 16,550 respondents faced subscription traps, hidden cancellations and unexpected charges on OTT platforms. The body urged CCPA and MIB to enforce 2023 dark pattern guidelines against JioHotstar, Zee5, SonyLIV and Amazon Prime.
LocalCircles urged CCPA and MIB to crack down on alleged dark patterns—subscription traps, hidden cancellations, unexpected charges—across OTT platforms including JioHotstar, Zee5, SonyLIV and Amazon Prime, citing widespread consumer complaints and inconsistent compliance with 2023 guidelines.
Why this matters
JioHotstar is scaling fast, with Tadka crossing 100M users in two months and new AI features at Reliance's AGM. This regulatory scrutiny over subscription practices adds friction as the platform monetizes its growing base.
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