Dutch authorities fine Uber nearly $1 billion for using automated software to suspend driver accounts without human review.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority has imposed a fine of 825 million euros ($964 million) on Uber for violating the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation. The penalty stems from Uber using automated software to deactivate driver accounts, sometimes permanently, without providing human review or adequately informing the drivers of the process. The violations occurred between 2018 and 2022 and were triggered by a French complaint regarding algorithmic decisions affecting work. Uber expressed disagreement with the decision and the fine, stating that the company takes drivers' rights seriously and provides opportunities for drivers to appeal. The company argued that the fine is disproportionate because only a small number of drivers were affected by automated permanent deactivations. The Dutch authority confirmed the market-leading fine is the second-largest issued under the GDPR to date. Uber plans to file an appeal against the ruling.