Uber Fined €825 Million for Automated Driver Account Suspensions
The Dutch Data Protection Authority fined Uber €825 million for using automated systems to suspend driver accounts between 2020 and 2022 without meaningful human review or prior notification, violating GDPR requirements on automated decision-making. The penalty is the second-largest in GDPR history. Uber said it has discontinued the practice and now includes human review and appeal mechanisms for such decisions.
What happened
Between 2020 and 2022, Uber used an automated system to identify drivers suspected of fraud, such as deliberate detours to increase fares or non-completion of booked rides, and suspended their accounts without prior notification to drivers.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) determined on August 17, 2026, that Uber violated drivers' rights under GDPR Article 22 by making automated decisions with significant consequences without meaningful human review or a mechanism for drivers to contest the suspensions.
The AP imposed a fine of €825 million, the second-largest GDPR penalty ever issued, behind only Meta's €1.2 billion fine by Ireland in 2023.
Reported impact
Drivers had their accounts temporarily suspended or, in cases of low ratings, permanently suspended without human oversight or advance notice, preventing them from earning income through the platform.
Uber stated that it no longer makes permanent account suspension decisions based solely on automated systems and that current policies include human review and appeal mechanisms for drivers.
Index analysis
GDPR prohibits automated decisions with significant life consequences without meaningful human review and requires mechanisms for individuals to contest such decisions.
The AP found that Uber's automated suspension system lacked sufficient human oversight and failed to provide drivers with prior notification or clear appeal pathways as required by law.
Governance controls
Uber stated it discontinued the practice reviewed by the AP, which involved automated decision-making without human review, and that current practices include human review of suspension decisions and driver appeal rights.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.