Full Breakdown
Virginia and 21 States Join FTC Lawsuit Against Uber for Deceptive Practices
12/19/2025, 11:52:54 PM
Overview of the Lawsuit
Virginia, along with 21 other state law enforcement agencies, has joined a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. The lawsuit, announced by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares on December 15, 2025, alleges that Uber engaged in deceptive and unfair practices related to its Uber One subscription service. The complaint claims that Uber misled customers about potential savings and made it difficult to cancel subscriptions, particularly after free trial periods.
Allegations of Deceptive Practices
The lawsuit accuses Uber of employing negative option marketing tactics, where customers are automatically charged for subscriptions unless they actively cancel. This practice reportedly obscured critical information regarding costs and savings associated with the Uber One service. Customers have reported difficulties in canceling their subscriptions, with some stating that the process required navigating multiple screens and actions. The lawsuit seeks restitution, penalties, and an injunction against Uber for alleged violations of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act and various state consumer protection laws.
Coalition of States
The coalition includes attorneys general from states such as Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as the district attorney for Alameda County, California. The lawsuit aims to hold Uber accountable for its practices and ensure consumer protection across these states.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney General Jason Miyares emphasized that "deceptive enrollment and billing practices have no place in the marketplace." Similarly, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond stated, “Unless Uber is stopped in court, they are likely to continue cheating and harming hardworking Oklahomans.” New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella remarked that consumers should not be misled into signing up for subscription services or trapped in recurring charges they do not knowingly agree to.
Uber's Defense
In response to the allegations, Uber has denied the claims made in the lawsuit. The company stated that "the majority of cancellations take 20 seconds or less and can be done in the app anytime." Uber also clarified that prior to December 2024, customers within 48 hours of their next billing period had to contact support to cancel their subscriptions.
What's Next
The case is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, with a trial scheduled for February 2027. The coalition of states involved in the lawsuit is actively seeking restitution and penalties for affected consumers, as well as measures to prevent similar practices in the future.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the lawsuit presents a unified front from multiple states, Uber's defense claims that cancellation processes are straightforward, which contradicts consumer reports of difficulties. The disparity between consumer experiences and Uber's assertions highlights the need for further investigation into the practices surrounding the Uber One subscription service.
