A federal judge refused Thursday to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit against Uber CEO Travis Kalanick that alleges the algorithm used by the ride-hailing app let drivers fix higher fares, according to reports. The class-action status seeking lawsuit, filed in December, does not name Uber as a defendant.

U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff rejected Kalanick’s contention that it was “wildly implausible” and “physically impossible” to carry out a conspiracy that involved hundreds of thousands of drivers, Bloomberg reported.

“The capacity to orchestrate such an agreement is the ‘genius’ of Mr. Kalanick and his company, which, through the magic of smartphone technology, can invite hundreds of thousands of drivers in far-flung locations to agree to Uber’s terms,” Rakoff reportedly said.

http://www.ibtimes.com/uber-ceo-travis-kalanick-face-price-fixing-antitrust-lawsuit-judge-rules-ubers-legal-2346649

• Uber’s Travis Kalanick faces price-fixing antitrust lawsuit.