Uber executives' trial adjourned in France, needs more expertise

BUSINESS

Uber executives' trial adjourned in France, needs more expertise

Lori Hinnant The Associated Press
Published Wednesday, September 30, 2015 3:31AM EDT Last Updated Wednesday, September 30, 2015 12:59PM EDT

A striking taxi driver holding a placard which read, "Stop Uber, Stop listening," referring to the new US spying report in France, during a taxi drivers demonstration in Paris, France on June 25, 2015. (AP / Michel Euler)

Text:

PARIS -- A French judge is adjourning the trial of two European Uber executives until February, saying more expertise is needed in the case involving databases seized during a police raid on the ride-hailing service's Paris offices.

The trial that started Wednesday reflects larger tensions about how to regulate new technologies that offer consumers greater options but threaten traditional industries. Uber France chief Thibaud Simphal and its general manager for Western Europe, Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty are charged with "deceptive commercial practices" and complicity in illegal activities.

During protests in France this summer, taxi drivers infuriated by Uber competition smashed livery cars and set tires ablaze. Uber calls the French system outdated and says it needs reform to keep up with technological changes.