House Committee Opens Investigation Into Uber Over Sexual Abuse Allegations

Lawmakers Demand Answers After Reports Reveal Widespread Sexual Misconduct on Uber Platform

A U.S. House oversight subcommittee has launched a sweeping investigation into Uber Technologies Inc. following revelations that incidents of sexual assault and misconduct on the company’s platform are far more frequent than previously disclosed. The inquiry, led by Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), chair of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, was prompted by a New York Times investigation that found Uber received reports of sexual assault or misconduct in the U.S. nearly every eight minutes between 2017 and 2022.

Court records show that during that five-year period, more than 400,000 Uber trips resulted in reports of sexual assault or sexual misconduct — a staggering figure that dwarfs Uber’s earlier disclosure of 12,522 serious sexual assaults during the same timeframe.

Congressional Scrutiny Intensifies

In a letter addressed to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Rep. Mace expressed deep concern about the company’s handling of safety data and its efforts to protect passengers.

“The volume of incidents uncovered by recent reporting indicates a persistent safety hazard for those who rely on ride-sharing for transportation,” Mace wrote. “This raises serious questions about how Uber identifies, responds to, and discloses incidents of sexual assault and misconduct on its platform.”

The subcommittee’s inquiry seeks to understand whether Uber has accurately represented its safety record, whether it has taken sufficient steps to prevent assaults, and how it plans to better protect riders in the future. Lawmakers have also requested documentation of the company’s safety protocols, employee training materials, and internal communications regarding assault prevention.

Uber, in response, said it welcomes the opportunity to cooperate with the investigation.

“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with subcommittee staff to share more about Uber’s leading technology, strong policies, and expert partnerships that prioritize women’s safety,” said Matt Kallman, an Uber spokesperson.

Gaps in Uber’s Safety Reporting and Oversight

The New York Times report revealed that Uber’s safety data was incomplete and potentially misleading. While Uber has long claimed that 99.9% of rides occur without incident, internal documents and court filings suggest the company underreported the full scope of sexual misconduct.

The company classified roughly 75% of the 400,181 reports as “less serious,” including cases of inappropriate comments, sexual remarks, or suggestive gestures. However, safety experts argue that minimizing these behaviors fails to address early warning signs of more severe abuse. Uber also stated that some reports may have been fraudulent, submitted by passengers seeking refunds.

Critics say that such justifications overlook the broader pattern of unsafe conditions and lack of transparency in the ride-share industry. The House inquiry aims to determine whether Uber’s data omissions amount to misrepresentation of safety metrics and whether stronger federal oversight is needed.

Allegations of Corporate Negligence and Pending Lawsuits

The revelations come amid a surge in legal actions against Uber nationwide. The company currently faces more than 3,000 lawsuits in federal and state courts from passengers who claim they were sexually assaulted or harassed by drivers. Its competitor Lyft is facing hundreds of similar lawsuits.

The central legal question is whether ride-share companies can be held liable for the actions of their drivers. Plaintiffs argue that Uber’s background checks, safety policies, and response protocols were insufficient to prevent known risks.

One of the most high-profile cases currently underway in California state court involves a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by her driver during an airport ride in 2016. The case is part of a consolidated proceeding representing hundreds of victims. During opening statements, attorneys revealed updated Uber data showing that from 2017 to 2024, 558,000 trips in the U.S. resulted in sexual assault or misconduct reports — a notable increase from the earlier figures disclosed.

The Broader Issue of Accountability and Survivor Protection

Uber’s ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for stronger survivor protections and corporate responsibility within the ride-share industry. Advocacy groups and lawmakers alike have called for mandatory safety reforms, including:

• Stricter background checks for drivers

• Real-time monitoring and ride recording features

• Transparency in reporting assault statistics

• Partnerships with survivor advocacy organizations

For survivors of sexual abuse or harassment during a ride-share trip, reporting an assault can be retraumatizing. Many victims fear disbelief, public exposure, or retaliation. The growing body of lawsuits underscores how vital it is that survivors have access to trauma-informed legal representation to ensure their voices are heard.

Legal Support for Survivors in New York

Survivors of sexual assault connected to ride-share services deserve justice and accountability. Thomas Giuffra, Esq. – The Abuse Lawyer NY, represents victims of sexual abuse and misconduct across New York, including cases involving corporations and transportation providers like Uber and Lyft.

Attorney Giuffra and his team at Survivors of Abuse NY are committed to helping survivors pursue civil claims that hold negligent entities responsible for failing to protect passengers. Through compassionate advocacy and experienced legal guidance, survivors can seek the compensation and closure they deserve.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or assault during an Uber or Lyft ride, confidential legal help is available. Speaking out is not only a step toward justice — it helps push for stronger protections for all passengers.

Source:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/25/business/uber-sexual-assault-house-inquiry.html