How Uber Uses Democracy Against Itself

Over the past decade, Uber has grown from a fledgling venture to a dominant player in the rideshare economy. Along the way, the company has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of regulatory norms and labor laws. Uber has also aggressively shaped policy debates by deploying an army of lobbyists and leveraging its considerable wealth. The company has even gone so far as to deploy "clicktivism," using its customer base to flood politicians with emails and tweets when regulations stand in its way.

The company's aggressive stance has paid off on numerous occasions. Uber has successfully lobbied to avoid regulations regarding driver qualifications, vehicle safety, and fair pricing. It has also fought to preserve its right to classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which allows the company to avoid providing them with protections like minimum wage, paid time off, and health insurance.

The company's tactics have led to accusations of manipulating democracy to suit its interests. With its lucrative valuations and deep pockets, Uber has been able to outspend and outlast any competitors or regulators who stand in its way. The company's unprecedented success has led to calls for stricter regulation and a reevaluation of the role of corporations in society.

Ultimately, Uber's success underscores the growing influence of technology on our lives and the urgent need for thoughtful regulation to ensure that democracy remains intact.