Uber Settles with FTC Over Data Mishandlings
Late last year, we reported Uber’s lack of disclosure when it came to their 2016 data breach. Not only did they not disclose it, but they also paid the hackers $100,000 to hide the breach. Approximately a year later officials found out 57 million consumer accounts had been leaked. In addition, 600,000 driver’s license numbers of U.S. drivers were also breached.
The way Uber handled the breach, resulted in the firing of Joe Sullivan, the company’s chief security officer.
According to Uber’s chief legal officer, Tony West, the company and their new CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, have since been working diligently to improve safety and security.
In April, Uber expanded a previously proposed settlement made with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to include the data mishandlings of the 2016 breach. The FTC agreed to the proposed settlement of $148 million. This agreement was with the attorney general of all 50 states, and Washington D.C. The settlement funds will be distributed to approximately 600,000 financially impacted Uber drivers nationwide.
