[notahacker]

Or - considerably more likely - they could have created a significantly less successful Uber clone, like many engineers and entrepreneurs have managed in other countries where Uber operates. I mean, if it were that easy to come up with revolutionary new business models that the entire world needs, we wouldn't see quite so many cookie cutter startups in Silicon Valley either...

Actually, the more plausible arguments against protectionism and state aid for favoured corporations are the precise opposite to the one you're making: it's good for consumers to have a wider choice of ride-booking apps, and not a choice guided by the government. If the ridesharing apps are likely to tend towards being a monopoly anyway then there certainly are advantages to having it a locally owned and run one.