Uber took 5 months to realize that the name ‘Swastika Chandra’ is not associated with Hitler.

Uber, the well-known ride-hailing service, faced backlash after prohibiting a customer named Swastika Chandra from using its services in Australia. The incident, which took place in October 2023, ignited discussions about cultural awareness and the perception of names.

Swastika Chandra, an Australian with roots in Fiji, was shocked when Uber informed her that her account had been blocked because her first name was a “potentially offensive” word. Chandra, who explained that “Swastika” means “luck” in Sanskrit and is a common name in his home country, expressed his frustration with the decision. Despite understanding the connection to Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party, Chandra remained steadfast and proud of the historical and cultural significance of his name. He emphasized that the swastika symbol has positive connotations in Hindu culture before Hitler misused it.

Answer by swastika Chandra

In an interview with A Current Affair, Chandra spoke about her experience when she encountered an Uber pop-up prompting her to change her name on the app. Despite the company’s initial opposition, Chandra stood firm with the support of the Hindu Council and the NSW Attorney-General’s Office. It took five months for Uber to grant an exception, allowing Chandra to get back on the platform.

Uber’s response

In a statement to news.com.au, Uber apologized to Chandra for the trouble 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 emphasized that it wants to address cultural nuances and evaluate cases on a case-by-case basis. After reviewing Chandra’s request, Uber restored her access to the app.

The controversy surrounding Uber’s banning of Swastika Chandra’s account highlights the complexity and sensitivity of cultural interpretation in the digital age. Although Uber eventually reinstated Chandra’s access and apologized for the delay, the case highlights the need for companies to navigate such situations with diligence and cultural understanding.