London Uber ban: Regulators are finally catching up with technology

TfL's response is a sign that the next phase in this socio-technical cycle is beginning

In what could be a major blow to the gig economy, Transport for London (TfL) has refused to renew Uber’s licence to operate in the UK capital – its largest European market – on the grounds that its approach and conduct “demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility” on issues which “have potential public safety and security implications”.

In its announcement, TfL cited concerns over passenger safety, arising from Uber’s failure to monitor the criminal and medical records of its drivers and to conduct related checks. The transport body was also critical of