Court ruling reinforces that digital platforms have the autonomy to terminate partnerships when drivers' conduct violates internal policies
One of the court decision in São Luís rekindled the debate on the contractual freedom on digital platforms.
Em October 2025, Judge Alexandre Abreu, from 3rd Small Claims Court for Civil and Consumer Relations, confirmed the blocking of an Uber driver's registration.
The professional had been disconnected after responding to a criminal case, fact that violated the company's internal rules.
The case reignites the discussion about how far can app companies go when suspending drivers for non-compliance with rules.
Additionally, there are several leisure, raises a reflection on the responsibility of platforms for user safety.
Driver appeals to court after blockade
The driver stated that was blocked from accessing the application without prior notice.
In view of this, sought justice asking account reactivation and compensation for moral damages.
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A Uber responded to the lawsuit and reported that the professional had a criminal record, situation that violates the platform's security rules.
Like this, the company claimed that the blockade sought to protect passengers and ensure user confidence.
On the other hand, the driver insisted that the blockade occurred arbitrarily.
However, the judge understood that the company's conduct was in accordance with its internal policies.
Judge acknowledges that the company acted within the law
Judge Alexandre Abreu stated that Uber's decision respected the principles of contractual freedom, provided for in the article 421 of the Civil Code.
According to him, Uber has the right to decide with whom he maintains a partnership, as long as it follows clear and objective criteria.
“The company demonstrated no interest in maintaining the contract after becoming aware of the criminal action against the driver,” Abreu stated.
Therefore, for the magistrate, the blocking occurred legitimately, as resulted from non-compliance with the rules accepted at the time of registration.
Thus, the sentence reinforced that there was no arbitrariness in the platform's conduct.
Platform Conduct and Security Profile
According to the judge, Uber can define the conduct profile of your partner drivers.
When the driver falls within a prohibited situation, the company has the right to terminate the relationship.
“By violating the conduct policies, the author breached the contract,” said the judge.
Additionally, there are several leisure, the judge highlighted that the regular exercise of this right is essential for maintain the credibility and security of the platform.
Consequently, company acted within the law e with transparency, according to the judicial understanding.
Lastly, Abreu explained that the case did not require prior notice, because there was contractual termination motivated by violation of the rules.
No right to compensation
The judge denied the claim for compensation.
According to him, the driver did not prove moral damage, Ea company presented legitimate reason for blocking.
Consequently, the request was considered unfounded.
The judgment concluded that the Uber acted in accordance with its internal policies, ensuring transparency, legal certainty and contractual regularity.
Growing trend in the courts
Similar cases have been analyzed in courts of São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Salvador.
As a result of this, a national trend: digital platforms may terminate partnerships when there is a breach of contract.
In this way, understanding strengthens the balance between business autonomy e drivers' responsibility.
Meanwhile, the scenario reflects the advancement of the digital economy in Brazil and maturation of legal relations in the sector.
Experts highlight the importance of the decision
Jurists and digital law scholars state that the case of São Luís reinforces legal security in relationships between companies and partners.
According to experts, the decision ensures that platforms act within the law, protecting the integrity of users and the proper functioning of services.
“This understanding sets an important precedent for similar cases,” assessed the Digital Law professor. Rogério Cunha, Federal University of Maranhao (UFMA).
Like this, the decision also values clarity in contracts e encourages compliance with internal regulations, essential pillars in modern digital relationships.
What the future holds for app drivers
With the advancement of the digital economy, situations like the one with the Uber driver tend to repeat themselves.
That is why, companies must invest in more rigid profile verification systems, while drivers need to fully respect the terms of use.
Additionally, there are several leisure, experts believe that the Brazil is moving towards balancing platform autonomy and partner rights.
Consequently, this harmony will be essential so that technological innovation occurs responsibly and fairly.
And you, reader: Do you believe that platforms should have complete freedom to choose their drivers or that blocking requires clearer rules?



The same thing happened to me. It turns out that at a hearing with the accuser, he denied the facts, and the criminal case was dismissed. In the lawsuit against Uber, we requested my reinstatement through an emergency injunction, but it hasn't even been reviewed by the judge yet. Our justice system is slow, and when these cases occur, they should act immediately to correct the error. Meanwhile, I continue to have emotional problems and am unfairly excluded from the platform. Contact number (54) 992177358
No judge wants to regulate what is right, for me that is pizza!!!