Dutch regulator fines Uber €825 million over driver account suspensions
The Dutch data protection authority has fined Uber €825 million over the automated suspension of drivers’ accounts without proper notice and human oversight. As TechCrunch reports, citing Reuters, this is the second-largest fine imposed under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Regulator’s position
Monique Verdier, deputy chair of the Dutch regulator, said Uber had committed “serious violations.” According to her, a computer should not independently make decisions that have such significant consequences.
The investigation was launched following complaints from drivers whose accounts were deactivated through an automated process. The regulator said that some drivers were permanently deactivated without human review. Uber denies this.
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Uber’s position
The company said that most driver suspensions are temporary and that permanent deactivation does not occur without human review. Uber also said that drivers can appeal decisions and announced its intention to file an appeal. A company representative called the decision and the size of the fine disproportionate.
One of the complainants was Brahim Ben Ali, a former Uber driver in France. After his account was deactivated in 2019, he collected testimony from 170 other drivers and filed a complaint in the Netherlands, where Uber’s European headquarters is located.
Paul-Olivier Dehaye, founder of the Swiss nonprofit organization PersonalData.io, which helped drivers collect data on deactivation decisions, said this was the Dutch regulator’s third fine against Uber. According to him, the company was previously fined €290 million over its handling of drivers’ personal data and €10 million in a related case. Dehaye also plans to launch a class-action lawsuit so that drivers can seek compensation.
