Uber suspends Nevada operations after regulatory problems

Car-sharing company Uber has halted operations in Nevada after a judge in the state issued a preliminary injunction against it - in a case which might help define the boundaries of digital companies.

The company began services in the state, including Las Vegas, in October. It argues that it is not a transportation company and should not be bound by those regulations. But a judge has now upheld the view of the state of Nevada that it is in the transportation business.

Completely different

Its lawyer Don Campbell said, in the course of a seven-hour hearing before a District Judge, that Uber is 'something completely different' from the transportation sector. 'It is convenient. It is safe.' Its software is used to link up people who will travel together in a ride-sharing arrangement. Mr Campbell said that the state had given no proof of harm being caused. He also said it was impossible to get a cab in Las Vegas.

Unfortunate

The company claims that the closure of its Nevada business  will cost 1,000 jobs. A spokeswoman said it was 'unfortunate' that Nevada had become the first state to suspend the company. Uber is represented by Nevada lawyer John Griffin in the court hearings. He says that Uber is continuing to work with Nevade officials. Source: Venture Beat and Las Vegas Review

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