Uber Will Stop Tracking Its Riders After They Leave The Car

Uber is putting an end to a controversial practice that involved tracking its riders for a brief period of time after they left the car. The practice kicked off late last year, and though users could disable the functionality if they preferred, many customers were unaware that the tracking was taking place. Concerns over user privacy even prompted a letter from a US senator.

Uber's rider tracking required the ridesharing app to be open on the phone, though it could be running in the background. The company said that it was tracking riders for the first five minutes after they left a vehicle, using that time to gather data and better improve their service as a result. The data gathering would supposedly help the company improve pickup and drop-off locations, among other things.

The decision to track customers was controversial, however, and though users could disable the app's tracking ability, it was an all-or-nothing decision. Now, less than a year later, Uber has put an end to the practice entirely. Uber has confirmed the news, which first surfaced earlier this week. Users who disabled the app's location services can soon turn it back on and enjoy the convenience of having their location automatically identified.

However, the data collecting practice may not be gone for good. Speaking to LA Times, an Uber spokesperson indicated that the tracking has been 'paused,' indicating it could return in the future. Plans to reinstate the feature haven't been disclosed, assuming they even exist. As well, it was revealed that Uber never even collected data from iOS users, meaning Android users were the sole target.

Once the update rolls out, the app will only collect user information while the trip is taking place, but will stop once the trip ends. Users also still have the option of stopping location services for the app, though they will have to manually enter their location's address instead of having it automatically determined.

SOURCE: LA Times