In a recent LinkedIn post, Chirag Goswami raises critical questions about the transparency of modern pricing algorithms, highlighting an experiment that suggests dynamic pricing may be influenced by factors beyond simple supply and demand, potentially impacting consumers based on their device and battery status.
Chirag Goswami points to a disturbing finding from an experiment covered by The Economic Times, where Uber fares appeared to vary significantly based on the type of smartphone used and, notably, the device’s battery level.
“Uber fares varied based on phone type (Android vs iOS) ⚠️ Devices with low battery showed higher prices 🎯 Some users got discounts — others didn’t — on the same ride”
This observation, as Chirag Goswami emphasizes, points to a broader trend where applications can access a wealth of user data, including device type, battery status, and in-app behavior. According to Chirag Goswami, today’s pricing algorithms are not merely reacting to market conditions but are actively responding to individual user data.
The Shifting Landscape of Pricing Algorithms
Chirag Goswami argues that this practice moves beyond simple personalization, bordering on manipulation. The core of the issue, as presented by Chirag Goswami, is not whether companies are engaging in such data-driven pricing, but rather the extent to which our device data silently shapes decisions that remain hidden from our view.
Personalization vs. Manipulation
The post delves into the ethical implications of using granular user data for dynamic pricing. Chirag Goswami questions the line between helpful personalization, which tailors experiences to user preferences, and manipulative practices that could exploit user circumstances, such as a low battery, to increase revenue.
“Most apps can access your device type, battery level, and in-app behaviour. And today’s pricing algorithms don’t just respond to demand — they react to you.”
This reaction, Chirag Goswami suggests, can lead to a scenario where users are charged different amounts for the same service under similar conditions, based on data points that are not typically disclosed or understood by the consumer.
The Broader Implications of Metadata Usage
Chirag Goswami extends the concern beyond ride-sharing services, framing it as a fundamental issue of transparency and digital privacy. The ability of metadata to shape what users see or are charged for raises significant questions about the fairness and equity of digital marketplaces.
“This isn’t just about Uber. It’s about transparency. Because if metadata can silently shape what you’re shown or charged…”
The insights shared by Chirag Goswami prompt a re-evaluation of how personal data is collected and utilized by corporations. The author implies that the subtle influence of such data on pricing could be widespread, affecting various services and products we interact with daily.
The Unseen Influence of Device Data
The central question posed by Chirag Goswami is not hypothetical but a pressing reality concerning the unseen forces influencing consumer costs. As Chirag Goswami puts it:
“The real question isn’t “Are companies doing this?” It’s: How much of our device data is quietly shaping decisions we never see?”
Chirag Goswami’s post serves as a call to awareness, urging consumers and industry observers to consider the ethical dimensions of algorithmic pricing and the critical need for greater transparency in how our digital footprints influence our real-world economic interactions.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Chirag Goswami on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 24, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →