Uber Fined Nearly $1B by Dutch Regulator Over Automated Driver Account Suspensions

Uber Technologies Inc. was fined approximately $966 million by Dutch authorities for using automated systems to suspend driver accounts between 2018 and 2022.

Uber Suspended Accounts Without Human Review, Dutch Authorities Say

According to a Friday report from Reuters, Uber deactivated driver accounts through automated systems without providing affected individuals with adequate information.

Monique Verdier, deputy chair of the Dutch data protection authority, stated in the report that "Uber committed serious violations." Verdier added that "computers should not make decisions" about matters affecting people's livelihoods, the report said.

Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The fine represents the second-largest penalty imposed by European regulators under the General Data Protection Regulation, trailing only the approximately $1.4 billion fine levied against Meta Platforms Inc. in 2023.

The decision followed a complaint filed in France, the report said. Because Uber is headquartered in the Netherlands, the Dutch authority imposed the penalty, according to the report.

Uber's Autonomous Taxi Expansion

Recently, Uber announced a partnership with Baidu's autonomous taxi operator Apollo Go to launch fully driverless taxis in Dubai. The company said customers requesting UberX or Uber Comfort services in the emirate would be matched with Baidu Apollo Go vehicles.

Additionally, Uber announced plans to expand its autonomous taxi services in Japan while promoting a partnership with drone delivery company Zipline to deliver food via drones across the United States.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the state's gig worker union, which, after receiving confirmation of sufficient support from state regulators, can now represent Uber and Lyft Inc. drivers in statewide collective bargaining.