
The End of the “Just a Tech Platform” Defense: Uber’s $8.5 Million Accountability Landmark
For over a decade, Uber has navigated the legal waters of California and the United States using a singular, incredibly effective shield: the “Technology Platform” defense. By insisting they are merely a software company connecting independent contractors with riders, they have successfully dodged liability for the actions of the people behind the wheel. However, on February 5, 2026, a federal jury in the first bellwether trial of the massive MDL No. 3084 shattered that shield




