Franken Urges Uber to Restore Customers' Control Over Location Data Collection, Sharing

Uber should revise its privacy policy to restore customer control over their location information and provide more clarity in what data is being collected, used and shared, said Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., in a Wednesday news release. In a letter to CEO Travis Kalanick, Franken wrote that Uber's November app update forces users to either "always" allow the company to access their location even when the app isn't being used and running in the background or "never" allowing their location to be accessed. The app update may provide consumer benefits, Franken wrote, but "renewed allegations" of Uber employees' past abuse of customer data underscore the need for users themselves to decide whether they want their information shared -- and when and with whom -- and to expect data to have the "utmost protection." The senator recommended Uber update its policy to say location data is collected only when the user is interacting with the app. Uber should make it clear that data are used only for the stated justifications for the app update, which is to improve service and safety and prevent fraud, he said. Users should get details on how to disable location tracking or get a link to a page that provides a good understanding of how location data is collected, treated and shared, he said. Franken said Uber also needs to notify users via the app or by email when it makes significant changes to data collection and use. Two weeks ago, the Electronic Frontier Foundation had an in-depth blog post about the app update. An Uber spokeswoman emailed that the company received Franken's letter and will respond. She pointed to a statement the company made when the changes were announced in November. At the time, Uber said when the app was open on a user's home screen, it "created challenges" with pick-ups regarding the rider's exact location and drop-offs. Collecting the data will help improve service and safety, it said, and riders can opt out and still use the service.