Dutch regulator fines Uber $966m for automating driver suspensions
European regulators have imposed billions in penalties on US technology companies due to privacy, competition and digital market rules
TL;DR
- Uber fined €825m by Dutch data protection authority for automated driver account deactivations.
- The fine is the second-largest issued under Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- The authority stated Uber committed serious infringements by deactivating accounts without warning or human involvement.
- GDPR rules require meaningful human review for decisions with significant impact on individuals, such as employment.
- The case concerns European incidents from 2018-2022, initiated by a French complaint and handled by Dutch regulators due to Uber's European headquarters.
- Uber plans to appeal, calling the fine disproportionate and asserting its policies include human reviews and dispute opportunities.
- A Swiss digital-rights group supported the decision and is preparing a class-action lawsuit for drivers.