1984 is already here: Uber update now tracks your location – even outside the vehicle

The UK Daily Express writes that Uber has come under fire after a new update revealed it is able to track the location of passengers.

The taxi app is reportedly able to collect passenger data up to five minutes after they finish their journey – even if they’ve left the vehicle. Previously, Uber was only able to keep tabs on its users if they kept the app open.

The feature was revealed in the latest update to Uber’s mobile app which was released earlier last week, according to the Daily Express. In its notes explaining the release, Uber said that the upgrade helps drivers and passengers to locate each other quicker, cutting down on frustration. The company noted in its release notes that, “Uber collects your location data from the time of trip request through five minutes after the trip ends, including when the app is in the background. “We do this to improve pickups, drop-offs, customer service, and to enhance safety. Trip Related Location Data is collected during the following times.”

Users looking to maintain their privacy still have the option to do so, as the app includes the option to never share their information with the service. iPhone users can do so by visiting iOS Settings > Privacy > Location Services, and then selecting ‚Never‘ for the Uber app.

However anyone opting to do so will need to enter their pick-up and drop off locations manually every time they use the app.

The new Uber mobile app now includes a stripped-back look to the app that focuses more on the passenger’s needs and ease of use.

The app now learns from a user’s routines, offering shortcuts to popular destinations that allow you to order a taxi with just one tap.

Your favourite people will also now be able to be selected as a destination, as Uber will allow you to link a contact to the app – once they tell you their location, your taxi will be able to head straight there without needing lots of back and forth. Uber is also working on syncing your calendar with the app, which will detect where your meetings are and display them as shortcuts too.