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Uber faced an Euro 825 Million (USD 966 Million) fine after Dutch regulators found automated driver suspensions breached GDPR rules. The Dutch Data Protection Authority announced the penalty on August 21, 2026, after complaints from French drivers about account decisions made through automated systems.
The investigation covered Uber’s European operations, with Dutch authorities handling the case through Uber’s Amsterdam headquarters. Regulators said automated systems could suspend or deactivate drivers without adequate notice, meaningful human oversight, or effective review.
The decision ranks as the second largest GDPR penalty, behind Meta’s €1.2 billion fine from 2023. Regulators said Uber’s automated decisions carried serious consequences for drivers who depended on platform income. The case focused on driver suspensions linked to suspected fraud and other account concerns during the investigation period.
Monique Verdier, deputy chair of the Dutch regulator, said, “A computer should not make decisions on its own that have major consequences.” The regulator said some drivers faced permanent deactivation without human review, a claim Uber disputes.
Uber strongly disagreed with the ruling and called the fine disproportionate. The company said most suspensions remain temporary and permanent deactivations receive human review. Uber also said drivers can appeal account decisions and confirmed plans to challenge the penalty.
The complaint gained momentum after former Uber driver Brahim Ben Ali gathered testimonies from about 170 drivers. Digital rights group PersonalData.io helped drivers collect information about Uber’s deactivation process. Founder Paul-Olivier Dehaye said the case shows how algorithmic decisions can quickly affect gig workers’ livelihoods.
The ruling could strengthen demands for human oversight across ride-hailing and delivery platforms. European regulators are increasingly targeting automated systems that make major decisions about people’s work and income. The case also adds pressure on technology companies using automated decisions across European markets.
Also Read: Uber’s $10 Billion Robotaxi Push Raises Questions for Human Drivers
