EU court backs French ban on Uber service
Decision by European Court of Justice is latest in a long line of blows to the ride-sharing app

Uber has suffered another defeat at the European Court of Justice after judges upheld a French ban of its ride-sharing service UberPop.
Unlike its other offerings, which use trained drivers with licences, UberPop connects customers with drivers who charge for rides but do not have any particular training, the Financial Times says.
The French government banned the service in 2015, saying it broke laws prohibiting taxi platforms from using unlicensed drivers carrying fewer than 10 passengers.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
However, Uber appealed the decision, arguing that France should have notified the European Commission about legislation under which it faced criminal charges.
Yesterday’s ruling means member states can use criminal law to “prohibit and punish” illegal transport activities without informing regulators in Brussels.
It comes just a few months after the ECJ ruled that the ride-hailing app should be regulated like a traditional taxi company instead of a digital service, “opening it up to tougher transport national legislation”, the FT says.
Uber is facing the most turbulent times of its short history, after a world-conquering rise.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The company has been hit by a wave of sexism and bullying allegations, as well as disputes about the status of drivers and a US inquiry into its use of software to hide drivers from US officials.
In September, Transport for London refused to renew Uber’s licence to operate in the capital, criticising the tech giant for a “lack of corporate responsibility”. York and Sheffield have since followed suit.
Responding to the latest ruling, Uber said it is “appropriate to regulate services such as Uber” and pledged to “continue the dialogue” with authorities in European cities, according to AFP.
-
One great cookbook: ‘The Woks of Life’
The Week Recommends A family’s opinionated, reliable take on all kinds of Chinese cooking
-
Digital addiction: the compulsion to stay online
In depth What it is and how to stop it
-
Can Trump bully Netanyahu into Gaza peace?
Today's Big Question The Israeli leader was ‘strong-armed’ into new peace deal
-
Prime minister shocks France with resignation
Speed Read French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu submitted his government’s resignation after less than a month in office
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
The France-Indonesia push for an Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution
Talking Points Both countries have said a two-state solution is the way to end the Middle East conflict
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come