Uber CEO Plays with Fire • Hacker News Board

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#11

Post by ajross » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:35 PM UTC

h1fra wrote: post #2

No one seems to explain how Uber could track user when the have deleted the app ? It look more like an hack more than "a lack of boundaries" to me...

That's what I'm asking too. This is the first reporting of what sure sounds like an iOS security vulnerability exploited by the Uber app, and there's no technical content at all, it's just a description of a phone call between two executives. Come on, NYT!

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#12

Post by snissn » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:36 PM UTC

zdrummond wrote: post #8

h1fra wrote: post #2

No one seems to explain how Uber could track user when the have deleted the app ? It look more like an hack more than "a lack of boundaries" to me...

If I remember the old article, it was not that they could track after the app was deleted, but after the user had exited the app... after they had finished their Uber ride and went on their way

Which potentially could give them the feedback of answering the question "how close to their actual destination did their uber driver drop them off?"

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#13

Post by tedmiston » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:37 PM UTC

> That drew attention from regulators. In October 2010, the company shortened its name to Uber after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from San Francisco officials for marketing itself as a taxi company without the proper licenses and permits.

That's kind of surprising.

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#14

Post by tedmiston » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:39 PM UTC

h1fra wrote: post #2

No one seems to explain how Uber could track user when the have deleted the app ? It look more like an hack more than "a lack of boundaries" to me...

Currently, and until they re-allow in-app location only as an option, I block Uber with no location access and only enable it while I'm requesting a ride, then block it again after it's started. A little tedious but it's better than giving them full background location — it's also resulted in me using Lift more.

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#15

Post by [deleted] » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:40 PM UTC

mdorazio wrote: post #4

Does anyone know if the animation of Travis at the beginning is actually hand-drawn or uses some kind of After Effects/Photoshop plugin?

[deleted]

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#16

Post by lutusp » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:41 PM UTC

Quote: "In a quest to build Uber into the world’s dominant ride-hailing entity, Mr. Kalanick has openly disregarded many rules and norms, backing down only when caught or cornered. He has flouted transportation and safety regulations, bucked against entrenched competitors and capitalized on legal loopholes and gray areas to gain a business advantage."

This is classic malignant narcissism[1]. The irony of the story is that it describes a confrontation with Apple, which became successful through the machinations of another malignant narcissist, Steve Jobs.

1. https://arachnoid.com/ChildrenOfNarcissus

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#17

Post by rafe33 » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:41 PM UTC

trendia wrote: post #3

h1fra wrote: post #2

No one seems to explain how Uber could track user when the have deleted the app ? It look more like an hack more than "a lack of boundaries" to me...

And what benefit would they receive from knowing the location of people who don't even use the service?

If you read the article, it helped ensure that no drivers were scamming them by creating repeat fake customer accounts to increase the payout bonus.

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#18

Post by taude » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:41 PM UTC

I really hope Lyft doesn't do anything to screw up, as I've uninstalled Uber and will probably never use the service again. However, I don't see myself going back to regular taxi system as that's even more corrupt and despicable.

I just hope Lyft plays the game with a social conscious and makes positive decisions and continues to treat drivers well (most Lyft drivers I talk to say they like driving for Lyft way better than Uber).

I'm not so sure that as a society we should be rewarding people with drive like this "Mr. Kalanick, 40, is driven to the point that he must win at whatever he puts his mind to and at whatever cost".

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#19

Post by monochromatic » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:42 PM UTC

zdrummond wrote: post #8

h1fra wrote: post #2

No one seems to explain how Uber could track user when the have deleted the app ? It look more like an hack more than "a lack of boundaries" to me...

If I remember the old article, it was not that they could track after the app was deleted, but after the user had exited the app... after they had finished their Uber ride and went on their way

That's a lot more plausible. Tracking after you've deleted the app would be pretty surprising.

Re: Uber CEO Plays with Fire

#20

Post by swang » Sun, Apr 23, 2017, 3:43 PM UTC

zdrummond wrote: post #8

h1fra wrote: post #2

No one seems to explain how Uber could track user when the have deleted the app ? It look more like an hack more than "a lack of boundaries" to me...

If I remember the old article, it was not that they could track after the app was deleted, but after the user had exited the app... after they had finished their Uber ride and went on their way

no that was "legal" in the sense that they forced users to turn on location and they stated they would track you up to 5 minutes after you left your uber, for "safety" reasons.

this article is talking about something else it seems.