With updated app, Uber hopes to access users' phone contacts

[FrodosPet]

Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
This article was published today at 1:56 a.m.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Uber is taking its ride-hailing app down a new road in an effort to make it smarter, simpler and more fun to use.

The redesigned app also will seek to mine personal information stored on smartphones in a change that could raise privacy concerns, even though it will be up to individual users to let Uber peer into their calendars and address books.

~ snip ~

Starting in December, Uber will also seek access to users' personal contacts so they can ask for a ride to where a friend currently is, even if the friend isn't home. If this feature is activated, Uber's app will contact the friend to ask if he or she is willing to share the current location. If the friend doesn't have the Uber app, the request will be sent through a text message to the mobile number listed in the address book.

Uber says it doesn't expect privacy objections because users will have to agree to allow the app to scan their calendars and address books. And people whose locations are being sought through the new address-book feature will be able to decide if they want to share the information.

~ snip ~


Read more: http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/nov/07/with-updated-app-uber-hopes-to-access-u/?f=business

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How much will the NSA pay them for using THAT feature?

[Foggyhill]

1. Well, then I'll have to use something else dumbasses.

Seems giving everything up to get almost nothing in return is now the norms.

They get your location, all your contacts, your god damn calendar, wtf.

I'm more worried what they will do with this kind of crap than the NSA, bucause you know they'll sell this shit to anyone to make more money.

At least there is a modicum of possible accountability from the government.

[DRoseDARs]

2. "doesn't expect privacy objections" Er... I object! And I don't even have the app!

I don't want Uber contacting me. I don't want them having my info. I will not be installing their app. And if an Uber user is able to have Uber send me a text, they can fucking send me a text themselves!

[Nitram]

10. From the post it sounds like you have to give Uber permission to share your contacts and

location. A box to check, or something that requires a positive action by the user. Let's not dis Uber until we have more facts.

[allan01]

3. you mean take without permisssion

[Travis_0004]

5. You give permission when you download the app.

[Orrex]

7. If you read the message attached to this subject line

You agree to pay me $500.


PayPay will be fine.

[Sherman A1]

4. I wasn't a fan of Uber prior to this article and am

much less so now.

[tom_kelly]

6. People will do it...

There will be "trending" stories, paid for by Uber, and people will fall for it.

[FailureToCommunicate]

8. Stupid move! The stock value in Lyft, Sidecar, etc just went up.

[dalton99]

9. "the request will be sent through a text message to the mobile number listed in the address book"

[FrodosPet]

13. I DON'T LIKE SPAM!!!!!

Unless it is the meat-like animal product in a can

[Nitram]

11. "When you use Uber on your iOS device as a rider, you'll see contextual dialogs asking you to

approve certain permissions that the app requests. Allowing these permissions will ensure you have the best possible experience with Uber, but you'll have the choice to opt out of each iOS permission on an individual basis."

https://www.uber.com/legal/other/ios-permissions/

[FrodosPet]

12. When you are on someone's contact list, and THEY give Uber access to their contact list

Then YOU don't have any choice about whether Uber has YOUR contact information.

It is unnecessarily intrusive, and can help enable stalkers.

[Nitram]

14. That's not Uber's fault, that's your contact's fault.

I was speaking to those above who assumed Uber forced everyone to give up their contact information to use the new app. Wasn't that clear?

[left-of-center2012]

15. I use Uber and don't like this at all

How do I opt out when all Uber updates have been pretty much automatic?
I've never seen what their app includes in downloads.

[cyberswede]

17. Can't people text their own friend and find out where they are?

I don't get it.

[Skittles]

18. people are becoming idiots

[Glimmer of Hope]

19. I use Uber all the time especially in L.A. (love the cheap pool rides).

I don't understand how this would be helpful at all.

[FrodosPet]

20. Question about UberPool

A lot of Uber Drivers seem to hate it. They say they are driving a lot more for less money, and that having to change course mid-ride is unsafe.

Am I correct that this is just a small group of loudmouths, and that most Uber drivers don't mind UberPool? Do they sometimes cancel, no show, or throw attitude?

[Glimmer of Hope]

21. I am a rider so I don't know about the driver's point of view. A few times an add on rider

will cancel or not show up. Most rides in L.A. are long distances so there is usually someone to add on the way to my destination. Most of my pool rides are also incredibly cheap so I don't understand how the driver benefits. Sometimes less than $2.00!