Uber Can Track You After Drop-Off | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Uber Can Track You After Drop-Off

The new update from the app is asking users to agree to allow location data up to 5 minutes after the trip.

19
Uber Can Track You After Drop-Off

A recent update of the Uber app is now asking users to agree to terms that will allow Uber to collect a user's location data from, "the time of the trip request through five minutes after the trip ends. . . ." The pop-up that users see lists reasons such as safety and improvements, but most people are just creeped out. Uber used to only be able to access one's location while using the app. Now, the app will receive GPS signals even when running in the background.

While users are given the "Don't Allow" option, choosing this will result in Uber never being able to access your location. This means that every ride you request will require you to manually input your locations. This may not be a huge issue, but it is an inconvenience to many users. There is no way to choose that the app can only see your location data while you are using the app. Choosing "Allow" is not permanent as users can change the privileges through their devices' location settings. Many users are urging others to choose to "Never" allow Uber access to their location data.


The change has, for obvious reasons, resulted in backlash. While Uber claims that the location access would help to "enhance safety," many women are voicing their concerns that it actually makes them feel less safe. Several users are opting to switch from Uber to Lyft, as Uber's competitor does not require or request this sort of location access.

Buzzfeed News obtained a statement from an Uber spokesperson, "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.”

Now that you're aware of this new "creepy" update, you decide. Do you trust Uber with not only your location, but you?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
students
Sophia Palmerine

Dear High School Friend Group,

My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

847
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.

As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo

Keep Reading...Show less
class
Odyssey

College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week As Told By Kourtney Kardashian

Feeling Lost During Syllabus Week? You're Not Alone!

1107
Kourtney Kardashian

Winter break is over, we're all back at our respective colleges, and the first week of classes is underway. This is a little bit how that week tends to go.

The professor starts to go over something more than the syllabus

You get homework assigned on the first day of class

There are multiple group projects on the syllabus

You learn attendance is mandatory and will be taken every class

Professor starts chatting about their personal life and what inspired them to teach this class

Participation is mandatory and you have to play "icebreaker games"

Everybody is going out because its 'syllabus week' but you're laying in bed watching Grey's Anatomy

Looking outside anytime past 8 PM every night of this week

Nobody actually has any idea what's happening this entire week

Syllabus week is over and you realize you actually have to try now...or not

Now it's time to get back into the REAL swing of things. Second semester is really here and we all have to deal with it.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments