Popular cab-hailing service Uber has been embroiled in controversy after it banned a passenger named Swastika Chandra from accessing its services in Australia. The incident, which occurred in October 2023, sparked debate about cultural sensitivity and interpretation of names.
Swastika Chandra, an Australia resident with roots in Fiji, was shocked when Uber informed her that her account had been banned due to her first name containing a “potentially offensive” word. Chandra, who pointed out that “Swastika” means ‘good luck’ in Sanskrit and is a common name in his native country, expressed disappointment at the decision. Despite realizing the association with Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party, Chandra remained steadfast, proud of the historical and cultural significance of her name. He emphasized that the Swastika symbol held positive meanings in Hindu culture, even before its misuse by Hitler.
Swastika Chandra’s response
In an interview with A Current Affair, Chandra narrated his experience of encountering a pop-up notification from Uber instructing him to change his name on the app. Despite facing initial resistance from the company, Chandra stood her ground and received support from The Hindu Council and the NSW Attorney-General’s office. It took five months for Uber to grant a waiver, allowing Chandra to rejoin the platform.
Uber’s response
Uber, in a statement to news.com.au, apologized to Chandra for the inconvenience and acknowledged the delay in resolving the matter. The company reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all users, citing a global policy of restricting access to accounts with potentially offensive names. Uber stressed its willingness to address cultural nuances and evaluate incidents on a case-by-case basis. After reviewing Chandra’s request, Uber restored his access to the app.
The controversy surrounding Uber’s ban of Swastika Chandra’s account highlights the complexities of cultural interpretation and sensitivity in the digital age. While Uber eventually restored Chandra’s access and apologized for the delay, the incident underscores the need for companies to approach such situations with diligence and cultural understanding.