{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1677516,
        "msgid": "ride-hailing-giant-shuts-down-in-indonesia-now-driver-faces-legal-case-1776178248",
        "date": "2026-04-14 20:30:00",
        "title": "Ride-Hailing Giant Shuts Down in Indonesia, Now Driver Faces Legal Case",
        "author": "",
        "source": "CNBC",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Legal",
        "summary": "Uber, which ceased operations in Indonesia in 2018 before handing over its Southeast Asian business to Grab, is now embroiled in multiple US lawsuits over sexual assaults by its drivers. In a recent case in North Carolina, the company argues it is merely a software provider without legal responsibility for independent contractors, while another Oklahoma ruling held Uber accountable as an employer, leading to an $8.5 million compensation payout. These cases highlight ongoing legal battles for the ride-hailing firm, with over 500 similar claims pending in California, underscoring tensions between tech platforms and passenger safety regulations.",
        "content": "<p>Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Uber is once again facing trial in a\nfederal court in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The case\ninvolves one of its drivers sexually assaulting a passenger.<\/p>\n<p>For context, Uber previously operated in Indonesia before exiting the\nmarket in 2018. All of Uber\u2019s operations in Southeast Asia were\nsubsequently taken over by Grab.<\/p>\n<p>In Uber\u2019s latest case, an anonymous plaintiff experienced the\nincident after arriving at her destination in Raleigh, North Carolina,\nat 2 a.m. in March 2019. It was reported that the Uber driver grabbed\nthe inner thigh, after which the victim fled the vehicle, as cited from\nReuters on Tuesday (14\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n<p>Uber does not deny the incident. However, the company, which once\noperated in Indonesia, describes itself as a software company and not a\npublic carrier like a taxi.<\/p>\n<p>This distinction means Uber has no legal obligation to protect\npassengers under North Carolina law.<\/p>\n<p>Uber is also said not to be responsible for the actions of\nindividuals who are independent contractors unless proven otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>A company spokesperson stated that the incident was never reported to\nUber or law enforcement. The matter only came to light after the lawsuit\nwas filed in court.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSexual assault is a horrific crime that we take very seriously. We\nare focused on investing in technology, policies, and partnerships to\nstrengthen safety, help prevent harm, and support survivors,\u201d said the\nUber spokesperson.<\/p>\n<p>A sexual assault case also occurred involving an Uber user in\nOklahoma. She claimed that a driver in Arizona assaulted and raped her\nduring a trip in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>In a February hearing, it was ruled that the driver was an agent of\nUber. The company also bears responsibility for that driver.<\/p>\n<p>The company provided $8.5 million in compensation to the victim but\nrefused to pay punitive damages. The plaintiff\u2019s lawyer is demanding\nmore than $140 million (Rp 2.3 trillion).<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ride-hailing-giant-shuts-down-in-indonesia-now-driver-faces-legal-case-1776178248",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}