(Austin, TX) – Uber Technologies Inc. has been hit with a potential class-action lawsuit over their use of robodialers to send out automated text messages urging users to support Proposition 1 – in order to repeal a law that requires ride sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to conduct background checks for each one of their drivers.
In a suit filed Wednesday at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, city resident Melissa Cubria, director of the Texas Public Interest Research Group, reportedly alleged that Uber sent her numerous SMS messages pertaining to Proposition 1 – in what could likely be a violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
While many critics claim the wording within the act is too broad, the TCPA restricts telephone solicitations (i.e., telemarketing) and the use of automated telephone equipment. The TCPA limits the use of automatic dialing systems, artificial or prerecorded voice messages, SMS text messages, and fax machines.
In the filing, Cubria states that the format of the messages indicate that it came from an automated system, due to the phone numbers being the same in each message, while the names of supposed Uber employees consistently changing. Below is an example of the contents of a text message sent by Uber that was included in the lawsuit:
“Michael, this is Katie from Uber, ridesharing is on the ballot & early voting ends tomorrow! Can we count on your vote FOR Prop 1 to keep Uber in Austin?”
If found in violation, Uber could face between $500 to $1,500 in damages for each message.
Uber has yet to make an official statement. Read full lawsuit filing here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/311549054/Lawsuit