Uber will be collecting more location data from its users.
Uber’s update to their app (starting with version 3.222.4) will change the way the app collects location data. Previously the app would only collect location data if the app was open on your phone. Now Uber will always be tracking your location even when you don’t have the app open.
According to Uber, they would not be tracking you all the time (even though the app allows them to). Instead Uber will track you from the moment you order your Uber and will keep tracking you until 5 minutes after you drop off at your destination.
Basically this means that after you finish your Uber ride, the company will still track where you’re going, be it a cafe, or your home or any other place.
Good Intentions at Heart?
The company says that this will help them pinpoint your location better and avoid confusion between the driver and the rider. This would also help if the driver tries to take advantage of their passenger and takes them to a suspicious location instead.
A spokesperson from Uber said that they will also track how often riders cross the street to get to their ride. They shouldn’t need to go through traffic to get to the car.
The spokesperson adds,
We’re always thinking about ways we can improve the rider experience from sharpening our ETA estimates to identifying the best pick up location on any given street. Location is at the heart of the Uber experience, and we’re asking riders to provide us with more information to achieve these goals.
How To Turn It Off
Although they seem to have good intentions up front, not everyone may agree with the new location tracking mechanisms.
For those of you who don’t want Uber to track you, you can turn off location tracking on the Uber app itself.
Follow these instructions:
- On Android: Settings → Apps → Uber → scroll to “Permission” → toggle “Location”
- On Android Lollipop (5.1) and earlier: Settings → Location → toggle Off
- On iOS: Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Uber → choose “Never”
Via Tech Crunch
I think all human beings individually may be fixed a chip in its body with particular identification so that he/she may be always traced his/her location. This responsibility may be given to NADRA. If such chip is made all missing people’s location will be on screen and nobody dare to take away anybody else for ransom. School children will be safe and family would be at least monitoring them on their mobile phones. Important thing especially for married women through this chip technology their husband’s location can be traceable and they will be monitoring them while cooking in kitchen. :)
hahahhaaa
while you play watch dogs!!!!!!!
Add camera into body too then the (tracker) guy will call and ask for a plate of biryani.
“Bhabhi g tracking k zariye pata laga hai k aap aaj biryani bana rhi hain. Ek plate meray liay bhi bhijwa dain“
Very good strategic step indeed ! People will ultimately thenmselves more comfortable and safe with this. Exceptional thinking !!
I travelled via Uber twice, supercilious service and quite affordable rates. I dont think i would hire a local Taxi or Rickshaw in future if the Uber continues to operate as it is nowadays. In addition, I would allow them to track me for their specified time as its mostly for our own good.
you are right. so much convenient