Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) has reportedly been fined $966 million by Dutch authorities for using automated systems to deactivate or suspend drivers' accounts on its platform from 2018 to 2022. Uber Deactivated Accounts Without Human Involvement, Say Dutch Authorities
According to a report by Reuters on Friday, Uber deactivated accounts of drivers through automated systems without providing adequate information to the affected personnel.
"Uber has committed ​serious infringements" with this move, the Dutch Data Protection Authority Deputy Chair Monique Verdier said in the report. Verdier added that "a computer should not make decisions on its own" that concern people's livelihoods, the report said.
Uber did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comment.
The fine is the second-largest fine imposed by European authorities under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), following an approximately $1.4 billion fine on Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) in 2023.
The decision for Uber came following a complaint in France, the report said. Since Uber is headquartered in the Netherlands, the fine was imposed by Dutch Authorities, the report outlined.
Uber's Robotaxi Expansion
Recently, Uber announced it was bringing fully-autonomous Robotaxis to Dubai in partnership with Baidu Inc.'s (NASDAQ: BIDU) Robotaxi operator Apollo Go. Customers in the Emirate who request UberX or Uber Comfort options would be able to be matched with Baidu's Apollo Go vehicles, the company said.
Meanwhile, the company also announced plans to expand its Robotaxi service in Japan, while also touting a partnership with drone delivery company Zipline to use its drones to deliver food on Uber Eats across the U.S.
On the other hand, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) hailed the California Gig Workers Union after state regulators confirmed it had secured enough support to move toward representing Uber and Lyft Inc. (NASDAQ: LYFT) drivers statewide.