Bolt Announces Intention To Appeal Identity Theft Ruling

• Bolt has announced its intention to appeal a Circuit Court's ruling ordering it to pay GH₵1.9 million in compensation to a passenger
• This was after the passenger sued the company over identity theft after discovering a driver was using his personal details without his consent
• Bolt said while it acknowledges the ruling, it believes a more accurate outcome is needed in light of new issues

Bolt has decided to appeal the Adentan Circuit Court ruling, which ordered it to pay GH₵1.9 million in compensation to a passenger.

The passenger, Justice Noah Adade, dragged the company to court after discovering that a driver was using his personal details and identity on the app without his explicit consent.

The court, presided over by Her Honour Sedinam Awo Kwadam, ruled that Bolt had been negligent of its duty of care to the passenger and that the company had violated several provisions of the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).

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Responding to the court’s ruling in a press statement released on Friday, September 20, 2024, Bolt noted that while it acknowledges the ruling, it believes an appeal will provide a more accurate outcome.

Bolt further clarified that the identity theft involving the rider did not occur within Bolt’s ecosystem or due to a breach of the Bolt app or its systems.

Bolt said it is committed to safeguarding riders’ privacy and security and drivers’ personal data.

It noted that as its lawyers initiate the appeal process, it remains committed to cooperating with relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities to improve the platform's safety and security in Ghana.

Bolt passenger's identity theft

In August 2022, the lecturer, Justice Noah Adade, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of a software solutions company, ordered a Bolt ride on his phone only to discover that the driver who picked him up was using his image and details.

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Upon arrival, Justice discovered that the vehicle's driver was his employee, Peter Walker. He later admitted to stealing the lecturer’s identity and using his details to register as a driver on the app.

3News.com reported that the lecturer took the matter to court, accusing Bolt of failing to verify the driver’s identity and thus aiding in the theft of his identity.

Bolt driver recounts near-car theft ordeal

YEN.com.gh reported that a video of a Bolt driver recounting his ordeal with two passengers who wanted to steal his vehicle had surfaced online.

The young man shared his story to raise awareness and said he narrowly escaped losing his vehicle that fateful day.

Some netizens who saw the video were taken aback, while others shared their experiences in the comments.

Source: YEN.com.gh