Uber agrees to pay $40k and include texting opt-out

By Tian DuBelko

Uber has agreed to pay $40,000 in an agreement over unsolicited text messages.

Bob Ferguson, Washington’s Attorney General, announced the deal last Thursday. The Attorney General’s Office had been investigating complaints from Washingtonians who received unsolicited text messages from the ride-sharing service. Messages intended for Uber drivers found their way to consumers who didn’t sign up to be drivers. Other texts were invitations to become Uber drivers from drivers themselves.

Unwanted Texts

“Receiving text messages you didn’t ask for — and not knowing how to stop them — frustrates consumers,” Ferguson said in a statement. “This agreement ensures that consumers control whether they receive messages from Uber.”

The Attorney General’s Office first began receiving complaints in 2014. Washington customers were frustrated that they were unable to opt-out and stop receiving the messages. Some unlucky consumers received up to 20 text messages due to a glitch with the company’s website.

Consumer Protection

Under several laws, companies can’t send you messages without prior consent. They also have to provide a way to opt-out of these messages. If a company fails to do either, they are in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Commercial Electronic Mail Act, not to mention the state of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act.

Uber fully cooperated with state attorneys and have since changed their practices. Now Uber needs consumer consent before sending them text messages. Opt-out instructions will also be included in the messages and the company’s website. Finally, this agreement limited the amount of recruiting referral messages Uber drivers can send.

Looking Forward

This agreement serves as a reminder to all businesses that use texting to get your attention. Even though texting has made it easier for companies to reach their customers, this agreement reminds us that there are still consumer boundaries that companies need permission to cross.

Nathan Hambley, Uber spokesman, had this to say. “We are pleased to have resolved the Washington Attorney General’s investigation relating to text messages. Uber fully cooperated with the investigation, and… remains committed to complying with consumer protection laws as we continue to advance innovative solutions in technology and movement.”

The $40,000 will cover costs and fees associated with the Attorney General’s investigation.

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