Uber has been told to immediately suspend its ride-sharing
services in Colombia, the industry and commerce authority announced
Friday, citing unfair competition laws.
The US tech giant has around two million active users in the
country, and roughly 88,000 drivers.
The ruling, which is subject to an appeal, follows a lawsuit by
a group of taxi drivers who accuse the company of unfair business
practices.
The head of the Industry and Commerce department — which
regulates the market — said that the company must cease operation
immediately, citing “unfair competition” and a “significant
advantage” over older and more traditional taxi services.
The “effects (of the measure) are immediately fulfilled,” they
added.
In a statement, the US firm regretted and rejected the ruling,
which it “appealed immediately.”
Although Uber was allowed to operate in Colombia by the Ministry
of Information Technology and Communications and pays tax as a
result, the use of drivers to transport passengers is illegal and
the police are able to sanction drivers using the app.
Uber — founded in 2009 — arrived in Colombia in 2013 but taxi
owners and unions have repeatedly protested in the streets against
Uber and similar competitors, who they claim steal their work.
Protests have also been held in other cities, where pressure has
even led to the withdrawal of these applications. For example, Uber
does not operate in Catalonia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Denmark and
northern Australia.
AFP
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