The Dutch Data Protection Authority has slapped Uber with an €825 million ($966 million) penalty for violating Europe’s GDPR rules. The sanction follows an extensive investigation into complaints that the ride-hailing giant deactivated driver accounts through automated algorithmic processes without adequate warning or human oversight.
Regulators emphasized that algorithms should not possess the autonomy to make high-stakes employment decisions with severe consequences for workers’ livelihoods. This ruling marks the second-largest penalty ever issued under the European privacy framework, highlighting mounting regulatory scrutiny over gig economy practices.
Uber has firmly rejected the decision, calling the fine disproportionate and announcing plans to appeal, while insisting human review is involved in permanent bans. Meanwhile, digital rights advocates are mobilizing class-action lawsuits to secure financial compensation for affected drivers across Europe.
- Dutch privacy watchdog fines Uber €825M over automated account bans.
- Regulators state algorithms cannot make unilateral decisions impacting livelihoods.
- Uber plans to appeal the penalty, calling the enforcement disproportionate.
- Digital rights groups are organizing potential class-action lawsuits for drivers.
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