Tech giant Uber is facing serious heat from the Department of Justice for allegedly turning its back on passengers with disabilities.

In a jaw-dropping lawsuit filed in federal court, the DOJ is calling out Uber’s systematic discrimination against riders who use service animals or rely on wheelchairs. This isn’t just a one-off incident – it’s a pattern of exclusion that screams “we don’t care” louder than a startup’s pitch deck.

A History of Disability Discrimination

This isn’t Uber’s first rodeo with accessibility issues. Back in 2021, they coughed up over $2 million in a settlement after being accused of charging discriminatory fees for riders with disabilities. Now, they’re back in the hot seat, with the DOJ alleging that Uber drivers consistently refuse to accommodate passengers who need extra support.

Uber’s “Zero-Tolerance” Policy? More Like Zero Effort

Uber claims they have a “zero-tolerance policy” for service denials, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Despite introducing a self-identification feature for service animal users, the DOJ argues that discrimination continues unabated. It’s like putting a band-aid on a broken system and calling it fixed.

The Legal Showdown

The case, United States of America v. Uber Technologies Inc., is shaping up to be a landmark battle for disability rights in the digital age. As tech companies continue to reshape how we move through the world, this lawsuit demands a critical question: Are these platforms truly designed for everyone, or just a select few?

Stay tuned, because this legal drama is far from over.