Uber has released its annual list of the strangest items left in its vehicles, ranging from live butterflies to a container of breast milk, but the data watchdog is now examining whether the company’s handling of lost property complies with privacy laws. The list, published yesterday, includes a prosthetic leg, a wedding ring, and a jar of pickled eggs, alongside more personal items such as medical records and a diary. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has confirmed it is reviewing Uber’s policy on returning lost items, particularly when drivers access passengers’ contacts or addresses to coordinate returns.
Sarah Jenkins, a labour and economy reporter based in Manchester, said: “For millions of gig economy workers, every lost item is a potential distraction from earning. But the bigger question is whether Uber’s processes protect passengers’ data, especially in a world where a lost phone can reveal your entire life.” Trade unions have raised concerns that drivers may feel pressured to return items on their own time, without compensation.
Uber says drivers are not obligated to return items and can choose to decline requests. A spokesperson said: “We take privacy very seriously. Our lost item process is designed to balance customer service with data protection.
” However, critics argue that the policy places undue burden on drivers, who often earn below the living wage. The ICO’s review comes amid broader scrutiny of gig economy platforms’ data practices. For the millions relying on Uber for income, this lost items list is a reminder of the fragile line between convenience and exploitation.
