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Uber's Patenting Technology That Can Tell When You're Drunk

June 08, 2018
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2 min read
JAKARTA_GELLMAN_0816
Uber's Patenting Technology That Can Tell When You're Drunk
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In the latest of its series of innovative updates, Uber just filed a patent application for artificial intelligence that will predict when passengers are drunk.

The application, submitted Thursday, utilizes an algorithm that evaluates how Uber users typically utilize the rideshare company's app. Typos, the way the user navigates links or buttons within the app, walking speed and location all factor into the technology's evaluation. For instance, CNN suggested, someone hailing a ride at 1am on a Saturday in the party district most likely will not be sober.

It's not yet clear what Uber hopes to accomplish with the technology, although the language of the patent states that the user experience may be influenced by the AI's findings. Will drivers be given a notification that a potential passenger is impaired, or will the app charge drunk passengers more using the surge pricing model? Other possibilities include drunk passengers being denied the option of sharing rides with other passengers for the sake of saving money.

One of Uber's biggest use cases is for people who need a safe way to get home after drinking beyond the legal limit. Yet during the years since Uber pioneered ridesharing, a number of issues have arisen within the new industry which have resulted in the need for adaptations in both operations as well as legislation. Uber drivers run a higher risk of having their cars trashed or having a negative experience with inebriated passengers, whether from belligerent or destructive behavior to drunk riders potentially vomiting in the vehicle. And hundreds of sexual harassment and abuse complaints have been filed against Uber drivers around the world, who are far more likely to assault passengers who are in an impaired state.

The rideshare company has continually made headlines in recent months, often over safety concerns. The company unveiled 180 Days of Change in an attempt to reboot its notorious track record for ignoring and covering up accusations from passengers as well as employees, and recently released a "911 panic button" feature within its app for quicker emergency response.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.