Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile3 entries
2020
Paycheck Protection Program loan scrutiny
Phunware received $6.1 million in federally backed PPP financing. The loan drew criticism related to the company’s political connections and its relationship to Donald Trump and Fox News. Company leadership defended the application as consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities.
2020
Uber advertising-fraud dispute and SEC settlement
Phunware sued Uber over allegedly unpaid invoices, while Uber counterclaimed that Phunware had engaged in fraudulent advertising practices by allowing advertisements to appear on unauthorized third-party sites. An SEC-reported settlement required Phunware to pay $6 million, including $4.5 million to Uber.
2020
Political location tracking and targeting criticism
Phunware’s use of location and behavioral data for political advertising and voter engagement generated criticism concerning privacy, profiling, and the targeting of individuals based on inferred movements and interests.