Uber Reverses Rider Data Collection Policy, Drawing Praise From Franken

Reversing a policy instituted in November, Uber will again give riders the option of whether to allow the company to track their location data after they're dropped off, which drew praise from Senate Privacy, Technology and the Law Subcommittee ranking member Al Franken, D-Minn., who criticized the practice (see 1612210039). An Uber spokeswoman said Tuesday riders told the company last year's policy change, which sought to improve user experience, "missed the mark." She said Uber is trying to "make things right" with the reversal. Post-trip collection is suspended for iOS and Android systems, and the new settings will appear in the next few weeks for iOS users, which gives them three options: always have Uber collect location information, do so only while using the app or disable location services altogether. Franken urged the company in December to rethink its policy. He now said Americans have a basic privacy right and "deserve a meaningful opportunity to decide for themselves the fate of their personal data." Two weeks ago, the company settled with the FTC over privacy and security allegations (see 1708150010).