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Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

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Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#51
post #26

I really wish that both Android and iOS had an option to outright prevent an app from doing anything in the background. No sensors, no location, no push notifications, no network access, no CPU time, URL protocols, no nothing. If I don't click the little app icon, the app shouldn't run, full stop.

iOS gives you the option to disable Background App Refresh either for all apps, or for individual apps: Settings -> General -> Background App Refresh

Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#52
post #34

I saw this earlier and had hopes that the update would just let me choose "While Using" in the app settings, like some other apps allow you even if they request access even while not using the app, but the settings only allow for "Always" or "Never" on iPhone. However, you can use Uber without allowing GPS, so it's not all or nothing. I'm a little disturbed that they need any information after I use Uber though. They…

It's to analyse where riders actually go after being dropped off; for example understanding that if you want to go to building XYZ you have to get off here.

Collecting data for self driving cars probably.

Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#54

In iOS, most apps request your location "Always", "While Using the App" or "Never". I had Uber set to the second; that option is now gone. It's always or never. Set it to never; this makes their app less usable, but that just nudges me to use Lyft, Juno, et cetera .

This makes the app flat out not work for me. I just get blank panes top and bottom.

https://s11.postimg.org/by249fhsz/IMG_1459.png

Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#55
post #16

Why do we accept this intrusion into our lives?

I accept it because I don't really care if Uber knows where I am for a couple of minutes after they drop me off. Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you don't like it there's nothing stopping you from uninstalling the app.

Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#56
post #34

I saw this earlier and had hopes that the update would just let me choose "While Using" in the app settings, like some other apps allow you even if they request access even while not using the app, but the settings only allow for "Always" or "Never" on iPhone. However, you can use Uber without allowing GPS, so it's not all or nothing. I'm a little disturbed that they need any information after I use Uber though. They…

It's to analyse where riders actually go after being dropped off; for example understanding that if you want to go to building XYZ you have to get off here. Collecting data for self driving cars probably.

Yeah, but why does Uber need/care about that information? If I ask to be dropped off at X and walk a couple blocks to Y, Uber shouldn't care. I can understand the argument that maybe going to certain buildings you have to be dropped off at a specific spot, but that seems like a minor gain for something that's more than just a minor intrusion.

Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#57
I am very irritated with this update, it is so unnecessary and iOS is complaining about the location access as well.

I dont see any possible use of tracking the location after the ride except tracking the users location and create a surge pricing out of it.

Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#58
post #23
post #15

Yeah, after being a "dozen rides a week" Uber user for the last year, I switched to Lyft. There is just no reason for this.

How do you know Lyft doesn't do that? Any blogpost, article would be helpful. Thanks.

On iOS at least - the (current versipon of the) Lytf app specifically asks " … to access you location while you use the app." Uber _used_ to have a "while using the app" location option, but the recent update took this away so you choice is either "Never" give it location info, or "Always".

Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#59
post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's to analyse where riders actually go after being dropped off; for example understanding that if you want to go to building XYZ you have to get off here. Collecting data for self driving cars probably.

Yeah, but why does Uber need/care about that information? If I ask to be dropped off at X and walk a couple blocks to Y, Uber shouldn't care. I can understand the argument that maybe going to certain buildings you have to be dropped off at a specific spot, but that seems like a minor gain for something that's more than just a minor intrusion.

They don't need the information.

They care because they are data driven and not personally culpable for their invasions of privacy. Why not collect everything you can without getting more permissions?

Re: Uber Now Tracks Passengers’ Locations Even After They’re Dropped Off

#60
post #26

I really wish that both Android and iOS had an option to outright prevent an app from doing anything in the background. No sensors, no location, no push notifications, no network access, no CPU time, URL protocols, no nothing. If I don't click the little app icon, the app shouldn't run, full stop.

If you kill an app on the iOS, it stays dead until you launch it again, iirc.
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