Uber Is Now Tracking Your Data After You Are Driven
Uber recently updated to collect user location data in the background. In fact, the application can now see your location five minutes after the end of the trip, even if you are not actively using it. However, there is a way around this.
After updating the app, Uber will prompt you to accept their new policy. Here is their opinion on this matter :
Uber collects your location data from the moment you request a ride, up to five minutes after the ride ends, including when the app is in the background.
We do this to improve boarding and disembarkation, customer service and safety. Travel-related location data is collected during the following periods:
- When you interact with the Uber app, it appears in the foreground and becomes visible.
- When you’re on a ride: From the moment you request a ride to the moment the ride is completed or canceled by the driver, even if the Uber app is running in the background and not visible to you.
- Up to five minutes after the driver ends the ride, even if the Uber app is running in the background.
If this bothers you, you are not alone. The Electronic Privacy Information Center previously filed a complaint with the FTC, and it says that “The FTC was unable to take any action and now Uber is continuously tracking users.”
However, Uber explains how to disable this feature:
- On Android: Settings → Apps → Uber → scroll to Permission → toggle Location.
- On Android Lollipop (5.1) and earlier: Settings -> Location -> off.
- On iOS: Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Uber → select “Never”.
You can read their updated data collection agreement here , then skip to the post below for more information on the change.
Uber Tracks Passengers Even After They Have Been Dropped | NPR
Photo by kaybee07