Campaigners at the Electronic Privacy Information Centre (EPIC) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against Uber's controversial plans to track customers locations even when they are not using the service and obtain contact lists. The organisation claim it threatens the privacy rights of American and will cause a direct risk of consumer harm as drivers are able to collect the location of their passengers once they have arrived at their destinations even if the customer turns off his/her GPS location due its unique IP address, a significant piece of information to tracking the right Uber user. Uber also has plans to access User's address books and collect names and contact information. The company says the changes were installed to launch new promotional features that use contacts such a recommending family and friends as well as helping aid fare sharing tools. Uber's head of privacy Katherine Tassi said in a statement, 'We care deeply about the privacy of our riders and drivers' and assures that the date is only shared out once given the green flag to do so. Providing the complaint isn't taken further, Uber can expect the changes to be implemented on 15th July.
Campaigners at the Electronic Privacy Information Centre (EPIC) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against Uber's controversial plans to track customers locations even when they are not using the service and obtain contact lists. The organisation claim it threatens the privacy rights of Americans and will cause a direct risk of consumer harm as drivers are able to collect the location of their passengers once they have arrived at their destinations even if the customer turns off his/her GPS location due its unique IP address, a significant piece of information to tracking the right Uber user. Uber also has plans to access User's address books and collect names and contact information. The company says the changes were installed to launch new promotional features that use contacts such a recommending family and friends as well as helping aid fare sharing tools. Uber's head of privacy Katherine Tassi said in a statement, 'We care deeply about the privacy of our riders and drivers' and assures that the date is only shared out once given the green flag to do so. Providing the complaint isn't taken further, Uber can expect the changes to be implemented on 15th July.