21 States Join FTC Lawsuit Targeting Uber's Subscription Billing and Cancellation Practices

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit against Uber, joined by 21 states and the District of Columbia, is described by the company as "misguided" and potentially disruptive to modern subscription services [1][5]. Summary by Sections FTC Allegations - The FTC's lawsuit, originally filed in April, accuses Uber of deceptive billing and cancellation practices related to its Uber One subscription [2]. - An amended complaint alleges that Uber charged consumers for subscriptions without their consent, failed to deliver promised discounts, and made cancellation difficult [3]. Statements from Officials - District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb emphasized that Uber enrolled users in its subscription service without consent and made cancellation nearly impossible, particularly in a time of rising living costs [4]. - FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson noted that consumers are frustrated with unwanted subscriptions that are hard to cancel [4]. Uber's Response - Uber stated it would "vigorously defend" against the claims, asserting that it does not sign up or charge consumers without consent and that cancellation can be completed in the app in 20 seconds or less [4][5]. - The company highlighted that it stopped requiring consumers to contact support for cancellations in December 2024 and provides clear and simple sign-up and cancellation processes [5].