Uber drivers launch European class action over ‘soulless’ and ‘scary’ AI algorithm
Summary
Uber drivers from several European countries have started a large legal case against Uber. They say Uber’s AI system sets their pay and jobs unfairly and breaks data protection laws by using their personal information without clear rules.Key Facts
- Drivers in the UK, Netherlands, and other countries joined the legal claim against Uber.
- The lawsuit is filed at Amsterdam’s district court, where Uber’s European headquarters is located.
- The case challenges Uber’s AI algorithm that decides pay rates and who gets which ride jobs.
- Drivers say the algorithm offers different pay to different drivers for the same job and lowers fares based on what it thinks drivers will accept.
- The claim argues Uber breaks Europe’s data protection law (GDPR) by using driver data without proper consent.
- The Dutch data protection authority fined Uber €825 million for related automated account deactivations. Uber plans to appeal.
- Drivers say the AI system has lowered their annual earnings by about £5,000 since 2023 in the UK.
- Uber’s CEO has described the system as targeting different trips to drivers based on preferences or behavior.
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