Expert: Uber Tracking Policy 'Represents An Incremental Erosion Of The Privacy That Users Have'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Many popular apps request to access people's locations, including Uber, which has raised the ire of consumer and privacy experts.
Uber's latest policy change tracks riders for five minutes after they've already been dropped off.
CBS 3's Ukee Washington reports the updated tracking policy also lets Uber track riders even when the app is running in the background.
Uber says the reason is it helps "improve pick-ups, drop-offs, customer service and enhances safety."
The company explained it was facing challenges, including connecting drivers and riders.
Some consumers and privacy experts argue this goes beyond the scope of what's needed.
"It's totally unnecessary to this service," said Claire Gartland, director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
Gartland's group filed a complaint in 2015 with the Federal Trade Commission charging Uber with "unfair and deceptive trade practices."
The FTC has taken no action on the complaint as of yet.
"A step like what Uber has taken here really represents an incremental erosion of the privacy that users have," said Gartland.
The car service's new policy has renewed the debate over how much access digital services, including companies like Google and Amazon, should have and who should regulate them.
"It would never be necessary for a company like Uber to know where you are when you're not in their care, company or in their car," said Molly Twining, an Uber user.
Uber says there is a way to stop the company from tracking you as they can disable the location tracking in the permissions for the app and typing in your address manually.
The Federal Communications Commission limits how cellphone carriers can share consumer's personal information, but Gartland says digital platforms like smartphone apps don't face the same scrutiny.