By Laura Gamba
BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) – Uber announced Friday it will cease operations in Colombia beginning Feb. 1.
The decision comes after the Colombian Superintendence of Industry and Trade ordered the platform last month to stop engaging in unfair competition practices.
“The company considers this is an arbitrary decision, as it goes against the Colombian legal system, violating due process and constitutional rights,” Uber said.
The company appealed the ruling and claimed it is exercising “all legal resources to defend the right of 2 million users to choose how they move around cities and the opportunity for 88,000 registered driving partners to generate additional earnings for their families' livelihoods.”
In the face of criticism, the Ministry of Transportation claimed it is not against technological advancement, and said it must protect the life of users and the provision of transportation services as regulated under Colombian law.
In response to the ruling, Uber is planning to file a lawsuit against the Colombian government for violating the Free Trade Agreement with the United States.
Despite the announcement, the decision did not include Uber Eats home delivery service, which will continue to operate normally.
Colombia is the first country in Latin America to ban the platform.
