Uber's sexual harassment case shines light on a startup's culture of defiance

Uber's sexual harassment case is the latest controversy in a long history of the ride-sharing company flouting regulations and, according to the company's critics, ignoring ethical and legal standards in the name of "disruption". The San Francisco-based technology corporation is facing a widespread backlash after a former engineer went public with her story of sexual harassment and discrimination by management and repeated rebuffs from the HR department, adding fuel to the #DeleteUber campaign that went viral last month. The company has hired former US attorney general Eric Holder to investigate the claims. Consumer activists and social justice organizers, who have pushed for stricter regulations of Uber, point to the scandal as another example of the company's disdain for business norms. From questionable labor practices to privacy concerns to flagrant rejections of transportation laws, Uber has built its service through a culture of defiance that opponents say stands out even in Silicon Valley, where rule-breaking under the guise of innovation is commonplace.