On December 15, 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, joined by 21 states and the District of Columbia, filed an amended complaint against Uber Technologies, Inc. The complaint accuses Uber of enrolling users into its Uber One subscription service without consent, failing to deliver promised discounts such as $0 delivery fees, and making cancellation of the service difficult for consumers.
The complaint alleges that Uber’s subscription process relies on negative‑option marketing, automatically charging users who do not cancel a free trial. It also claims that Uber’s cancellation flow requires multiple screens and is not a single‑click “click‑to‑cancel” experience, violating the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) and state consumer‑protection laws. The FTC and the states seek civil penalties that could reach $53,088 per violation and an injunction to stop the alleged practices.
Uber has responded that the lawsuit is “misguided.” The company says it obtains explicit consent before charging customers, that in‑app cancellation can be completed in 20 seconds or less for most users, and that its disclosures are clear. Uber’s defense hinges on its claim that the subscription process is compliant with federal and state law and that the complaint mischaracterizes the user experience.
The filing comes just months after the FTC’s new click‑to‑cancel rule took effect on May 14, 2025, and it could set a precedent for how subscription‑based tech companies manage enrollment and cancellation. If the court imposes penalties, Uber could face significant financial costs and may need to redesign its subscription interface, which could affect the growth of Uber One—a key driver of Uber’s high‑teens revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA of more than $1.2 billion in the most recent quarter. The lawsuit also carries reputational risk that could influence customer acquisition and retention for Uber’s subscription and core ride‑sharing and delivery businesses.
Investors reacted negatively to the filing, reflecting concerns over regulatory risk and potential financial penalties. The case is scheduled for trial in February 2027, giving Uber time to address the allegations and adjust its practices if necessary.
Uber’s leadership reiterated confidence in its business model, noting that the company’s overall revenue growth remains strong and that it is committed to maintaining compliance with consumer‑protection laws. The company’s CEO emphasized that Uber One remains a valuable offering for frequent riders and delivery customers, and that the company will continue to invest in user experience improvements while ensuring transparent billing and cancellation processes.
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