Uber's New Update Tracks Your Location Even After Your Ride's Over
There's no doubt that Uber has helped change the way we get around. Having the ability to seamlessly request a ride right at your fingertips is a game-changer, especially for the frequent traveler. But there's a new issue over user privacy with recent updates to the Uber app.
With Uber's revised policy, which you'll be forced to accept or decline after updating to the newest version of the app, the ridesharing service reserves the right to track your location — even when you're not using the app. The new policy allows Uber to track your location for up to five minutes after your ride ends, meaning data is collected on your whereabouts after you leave the car. There's no way to skip this unless you choose "Don't Allow," in which case you'll then have to manually input your pick-up location. You can resubmit your preferences at any time in your phone's settings.
The old policy allowed Uber to track your location only while the application was open, but with the new five-minute gap, the company says it hopes to improve its pick-ups, drop-offs, customer service and to increase security. However, there's no doubt that the increased time of tracking raises some pretty serious privacy concerns. For those who are looking to keep their location private after they close their app and their ride ends, luckily, this data collecting update from Uber looks to still be optional. If you don't already have an Uber account, you can sign up here to get your first ride free (up to $20) from TPG.
What do you think about Uber now tracking your location up to five minutes after your trip ends?
H/T: NPR
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.