The Dutch Data Protection Authority is fining Uber €825 million, or around $966 million, in the second-largest penalty imposed by European authorities under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), after a roughly $1.4 billion fine against Meta Platforms in 2023. The case concerns complaints that Uber used automated systems to deactivate or suspend driver accounts from 2018 to 2022 without providing adequate information or human involvement. Deputy chair Monique Verdier said Uber had committed serious infringements, arguing that a computer should not make decisions on its own that affect people’s livelihoods. The complaint was filed in France, while the Dutch authority imposed the penalty because Uber is headquartered in the Netherlands. Uber disputes the findings, saying most suspensions are brief, permanent deactivations require human review and drivers can appeal; the company plans to appeal and has called the fine disproportionate. Former Uber driver Brahim Ben Ali pursued the complaint with support from PersonalData.io after gathering testimonies from 171 other drivers. PersonalData.io founder Paul-Olivier Dehaye said the case was linked to two earlier Dutch fines against Uber and plans to launch a class action seeking compensation. The dispute highlights the difficulty of using automated monitoring while maintaining human accountability for decisions that can affect workers’ livelihoods.