the issue is that, actually, the commerce IS regulated but these companies have decided to try and operate without abiding by those regulations. they argue tha

the issue is that, actually, the commerce IS regulated but these companies have decided to try and operate without abiding by those regulations. they argue that small tweaks to the business model (e.g. running a web service for taxis, rather than owning taxi vehicles) make them exempt from regulation. its a big stretch. not many cities are willing to give them a pass on this and there has recently been an incredible amount of friction with local regulatory authorities. the relations with regulators is more than just awkward. its a farce.