The smart phone app Uber logo is displayed on a mobile phone next to a taxi on July 1, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo : Getty Images/David Ramos)
Uber is currently under fire because of several users reporting that their app has been tracking their location for days even after they were already dropped off. The company blames the tracking on iOS itself.
The app does track the users' location when they are using Uber. It does so to track where they currently are when they are in need of a ride and if they are already inside the Uber driver's car.
Uber's tracking should stop when the user is already dropped off at their intended location. Users are already aware of the five-minute tracking even after they already arrived just to make sure that the Uber driver's reports are accurate, Daring Fireball reported.
Those who are paranoid about their privacy tried to check whether Uber is still tracking their location hours after they have been dropped off. Some users reported that the app does track their location in the background even if they are not even using the app anymore in the first place.
Now, Uber has an explanation regarding the reports that have surfaced. Uber told Tech Crunch that the iOS Maps integration can be blamed by the tracking. Users who chose to integrate their ride sharing apps will see that the location data is shared with the Maps app from iOS.
Apple did not comment on the issue and the privacy problem could stay for a long time considering that it is not a bug or a glitch. The iOS feature helps users request a ride inside the Maps app and it uses the location data to send Uber or other ride sharing applications.
Users who do not really use ride sharing apps should not be worried about anyone tracking their location. In addition, they can just turn off the location tracking in their iPhones or iPads for their peace of mind.
Watch a funny prank on Uber in the video below:
