Uber Always Knows Where You Are? Passenger Location Settings Still Working After It Is Closed With Latest App Update

Uber's latest update lets the app track passenger locations even after drop off and after closing the phone app. The company reports that this is due to user frequently stating their frustration at the app's less than stellar locational features.

Previous versions of the software would only track the phone's location strictly when their app was open. Although it gives users more control over their privacy, this has made it difficult for the app to accurately and promptly locate passengers the next time they need to use the app. The SOP is for passengers to usually manually check and locate their pick-up points on Uber after opening the app.

This new update and feature, which allow the online taxi service, Uber, to collect passenger and locational data for up to five minutes after the app is closed, promises to create better, more convenient user experiences with its users.

"We do this to improve pickups, drop-offs, customer service, and to enhance safety," noted Uber. "Trip Related Location Data is collected during the following times."

The new feature is not mandatory, though. Uber passengers still have the option of turning off the new locational settings if they want to. The users can choose between data sharing options: 'Always' and 'Never'. The settings are put to 'Always' as a default. If passengers do choose the 'Never' option, pick up and drop off details will again have to be put in manually each time the user opens up Uber. Still, this option to choose was important for Uber to avoid any potential security or privacy controversies.

It had once faced charges involving the collection of user locational informational in the past. Uber had to pay a pricey $20,000 after a case involving the 'God View' tool for drivers to track passenger locations in real time.