Uber Faces Rs 9,000 Crore Fine In Europe Over Automated Driver Suspensions

Dutch data regulator proposes an 825 million euro penalty against Uber over automated decisions affecting drivers, including suspensions and account deactivations.

Uber is facing a proposed fine of 825 million euros, equivalent to around Rs 9,000 crore, from the Dutch Data Protection Authority over its use of automated systems to suspend or deactivate drivers.

The regulator said Uber made decisions affecting drivers’ accounts without providing sufficient information or meaningful human oversight. It also alleged that some drivers were permanently deactivated through computer-driven decisions, including cases linked to customer ratings.

Uber has rejected the findings, saying it does not permanently deactivate drivers solely through automated systems. The company said most suspensions are temporary, while permanent deactivations involve human review and drivers have the opportunity to challenge such decisions. Uber plans to appeal the penalty.

The case originated from complaints filed by drivers in France. Former Uber driver Brahim Ben Ali collected accounts from other drivers and subsequently took the complaint to the Netherlands.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), companies are restricted from relying solely on automated decision-making when such decisions have significant effects on individuals. The rules also require appropriate safeguards, including human intervention and avenues for individuals to challenge decisions.