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

Uber is facing a fine of 825 million euros, or 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 said some drivers were permanently deactivated through computer-driven decisions, including cases linked to customer ratings. Uber has rejected the findings and said 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 can challenge decisions. Uber plans to appeal the penalty.

The case began after complaints from drivers in France, with former Uber driver Brahim Ben Ali collecting accounts from other drivers and taking the complaint to the Netherlands.

Under GDPR rules, companies cannot rely solely on automated decisions when they have significant effects on individuals and must provide human review and avenues for appeal.