Uber and TikTok face scrutiny over handling of sexual assault cases

An investigation by The New York Times revealed that Uber Technologies Inc. employed an aggressive legal strategy in a civil lawsuit filed by Jane Doe, a 24‑year‑old who was raped by a driver in Tampa, Florida, in 2021. While Uber publicly promotes a survivor‑centric policy, its lawyers questioned the victim about her alcohol consumption, clothing and personal history during depositions, a tactic that contrasts with the company’s stated stance.

In Brazil, the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an inquiry into a TikTok video that showed the collective rape of a 17‑year‑old intern. The video was shared more than 28,500 times and attracted hundreds of thousands of likes and comments. One adult suspect has been detained, and three teenage suspects have been identified. TikTok says the content was removed and that it enforces a zero‑tolerance policy for sexual violence.