Srinagar: A growing number of website owners in Kashmir have alleged that web developers frequently exploit clients’ lack of technical knowledge, warning that almost “99.99999 percent” of developers in the region end up cheating clients by keeping control of critical website assets.
Several website owners who claim to have been cheated said the problem often begins when clients allow developers to manage everything from domain registration to hosting and advertising accounts.
A Srinagar-based website owner who has launched multiple websites over the years said he learned the hard way that handing over full control to developers can leave clients powerless.
“In most cases clients pay thousands of rupees to build a website but the developer keeps control of the domain, hosting and admin access,” he told KNT. “When the client wants to change something or shift the website, the developer demands more money or simply refuses to cooperate.”
Another website operator said many clients do not even know the real cost of domain names and hosting services.
“A domain usually costs only a small amount per year and hosting packages also have clear annual charges, but some developers charge clients several times more and keep the accounts in their own name,” he said. “The client remains dependent on the developer even for renewal.”
Victims also alleged that some developers deliberately create or exaggerate technical problems on websites once they have full control.
“They sometimes tamper with the website or change settings so that the site starts malfunctioning,” a website owner said. “Because the client does not understand the technical side, he believes it is a serious issue and again approaches the same developer, who then demands money to ‘fix’ the problem.”
Website operators said that with the emergence of artificial intelligence tools, many such issues can now be solved without relying entirely on developers.
A journalist said that after repeatedly facing such situations, he decided to take control of his own website.
“After being cheated several times by different web developers, I purchased the domain and hosting myself and created a website with the assistance of AI tools without the intervention of any developer,” the journalist said.
He added that modern AI systems can guide users step by step in resolving website problems.
“If a website owner encounters a technical issue, he can simply ask AI tools or platforms such as Google Gemini or ChatGPT how to fix the problem,” he said. “These tools can explain the solution and guide users in correcting many common website errors.”
Those who have faced such issues advised new website owners to follow certain precautions before hiring a developer.
They said the domain name must always be registered in the client’s own name and email, and the client should personally keep the login credentials.
Similarly, the hosting account should also be opened in the client’s own account, allowing the client to directly renew it each year without depending on the developer.
Victims also warned that clients must retain administrator access to their website’s content management system, ensuring that they can monitor any changes made to the site.
Another major concern raised by website owners is the misuse of advertising accounts.
“Some developers link advertising systems like AdSense to their own accounts and keep the earnings,” a local website operator said. “Clients must ensure that the AdSense account is in their own name and email so they control the revenue.”
Website owners also cautioned clients to watch for developers who host multiple websites on the same server account while charging each client separately.
“In some cases developers use one client’s hosting plan to run many different websites and earn money from all of them,” one website owner said. “Clients should know exactly where their site is hosted and how much the hosting actually costs.”
Those who have experienced such disputes said clients should always keep complete records of domain details, hosting access, website admin credentials and advertising accounts.
They stressed that developers can assist in designing and maintaining websites, but the ownership and core control should always remain with the client.
Several website owners said that greater awareness among clients is the only way to reduce such exploitation as more individuals and organizations in Kashmir establish their presence online. [KNT]
