Zomato Calls Fake ‘Biryani’ Notification ‘Dinner, Not Consent’

Understanding the Fake Zomato Biryani Notification

A fake notification screenshot from the Zomato app recently went viral on social media. The message, written in Hindi, read: “Biryani bhejdu? Rs 370 ki hai bas.” This translates to “Should I send biryani? It’s only Rs 370.” The notification appeared to be a push alert offering biryani at a specific price, directly referencing a recent controversy involving influencer Pranit More.

However, the notification was entirely fabricated. Someone created the image and shared it online, leading to its rapid spread across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Many users initially believed the notification was genuine, with some expressing anger and finding the message inappropriate. Concerns were raised that the notification trivialized the concept of consent by framing a food offer as a casual, non-consensual gesture.

Zomato quickly issued a denial, clarifying that the notification was fake and did not originate from their app. The company emphasized that no order or delivery was involved, and the image was a deliberate fabrication.

Zomato’s Strong Response: ‘Biryani is Dinner, Not Consent’

Zomato responded swiftly and decisively to the fake notification. The company not only denied its authenticity but also adopted a powerful slogan to address the underlying issue: “Biryani is dinner, not consent.” This statement quickly became the headline, widely shared and praised for its clear stance against normalizing harassment and trivializing consent.

The company’s message was direct and unambiguous, making it clear that Zomato does not support or endorse any communication that makes light of consent. The response was issued within hours of the screenshot gaining traction, demonstrating Zomato’s commitment to combating misinformation.

While Zomato did not provide details about the creator of the fake notification or announce legal action, their firm statement effectively shut down the misinformation. The slogan “Biryani is dinner, not consent” was widely quoted by major Indian news outlets, highlighting the impact of Zomato’s clear position.

The Spread of the Viral Screenshot

The fake Zomato notification began circulating as a screenshot on social media. The image depicted a casual offer for biryani at Rs 370, a price point linked to the Pranit More controversy. This connection made the fake notification seem more plausible to some users.

As the screenshot spread across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, users reacted with a mix of outrage, jokes, and direct queries to Zomato’s official accounts. The speed at which the image traveled underscored the challenges of combating viral misinformation online. Many users believed the notification was real, while others shared it to raise awareness about the issue.

Zomato’s rapid denial helped to curb further spread, but the screenshot had already reached a significant audience. The incident is a prime example of how fabricated content, often designed to mock brands or push social messages, can quickly gain traction online. In this case, the fake notification aimed to trivialize consent by using food delivery language for a joke.

Context: The Pranit More Controversy

The Zomato fake biryani notification was directly linked to a controversy involving social media influencer Pranit More. More had made a remark about biryani pricing that included a reference to Rs 370, which subsequently became a meme and a symbol of the online discussion.

The fake notification leveraged this specific detail, stating “Rs 370 ki hai bas,” to create a connection and make the fabricated message appear more credible. This tactic aimed to associate Zomato with the ongoing controversy, despite the company’s lack of involvement.

Zomato’s denial and slogan served to distance the company from the Pranit More controversy and, more importantly, to reject any attempt to trivialize consent. The incident highlighted how creators of fake content often exploit existing controversies to lend credibility to their fabricated material. Zomato’s swift action helped to break this association and reinforce their stance.

Significance Beyond a Fake Notification

This incident, though seemingly minor, touches upon several critical issues. Firstly, it underscores the importance of consent. The fake notification’s casual framing of an offer highlighted how easily consent can be trivialized, a point Zomato’s response directly addressed.

Secondly, it demonstrates the pervasive problem of online misinformation. Fabricated screenshots can rapidly damage a brand’s reputation, necessitating quick and clear responses from companies. The speed at which social media amplifies false content puts pressure on brands to maintain constant vigilance.

Furthermore, the incident touches upon the misuse of food delivery platforms. While Zomato’s statement focused on consent, it indirectly addressed situations where platforms might be used for harassment. The role of influencers and their online statements, as seen in the Pranit More controversy, also came into focus.

Finally, the event showcases how brands navigate social issues. Zomato’s decision to take a clear stance, rather than remaining silent, earned them praise. This proactive approach, while carrying potential risks of alienating some customers, demonstrated a commitment to addressing important social conversations.

Zomato’s Stance and Future Implications

Zomato has not announced any specific legal actions against the creator of the fake notification, nor have they released details of any ongoing investigation. While legal avenues such as trademark infringement or impersonation exist, identifying the source of viral screenshots can be challenging due to the nature of online anonymity and encrypted communication.

The company’s primary objective was to debunk the misinformation and clearly state its position, which it successfully achieved. Zomato has not indicated whether they will implement new app features or policies to prevent future fakes, but the incident has likely heightened their awareness and social media monitoring efforts.

Zomato’s position remains firm: the notification was fake, and the company stands against any message that trivializes consent. The slogan “Biryani is dinner, not consent” has become a powerful statement reinforcing the company’s values and commitment to respectful communication. The incident serves as a reminder that even fabricated content can spark important real-world conversations.