Netherlands fines Uber 825 million euros for driver data violations

Uber has been hit with a substantial fine of 824.99 million euros by the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) for automating decisions regarding driver account suspensions, marking the second-largest penalty ever imposed under European data protection regulations.

The AP found that Uber employed software to monitor driver behavior and customer ratings. When the system detected potential fraud or low ratings, it automatically deactivated accounts without human oversight between 2018 and 2022. Furthermore, Uber failed to adequately inform drivers about this automated process.

"Uber committed serious violations. Drivers were suspended without consideration, meaning they suddenly lost income through Uber. That is prohibited. A computer cannot unilaterally make decisions with major consequences for a person. A human being should have intervened beforehand," stated Monique Verdier, Vice Chair of the AP.

The investigation originated from complaints filed by 171 French drivers with the Human Rights League (LDH). Although the complaints were initially lodged in France, the case fell under the jurisdiction of the AP due to Uber's European headquarters being located in Amsterdam, as per the GDPR's one-stop-shop mechanism. The fine was calculated as up to 4% of Uber's global annual turnover, which was approximately 44.5 billion euros in 2025.

This is not the first time Uber has faced sanctions from the AP. The company previously received fines of 600,000 euros in 2018, 10 million euros in 2023, and 290 million euros in 2024, all of which are currently under appeal. Uber has announced its intention to appeal this latest decision.

“

Uber committed serious violations. Drivers were suspended without consideration, meaning they suddenly lost income through Uber. That is prohibited. A computer cannot unilaterally make decisions with major consequences for a person. A human being should have intervened beforehand.