Uber recently released a patch to fix a system glitch. (Photo : Reuters)
Ridesharing service Uber recently updated its privacy policy after widespread negative criticism of its God View feature. The company said that the update will make its privacy policy simpler and easier to understand.
When God View was first released, Uber boasted that it can track a person without them knowing or noticing it. The result was a series of backlash that questioned the company's privacy policy.
In order to prevent further condemnation, Uber decided to hire a third-party company well-versed in data privacy in order to review its policies and if needed make the necessary amendments.
In November 2014, Uber hired data-privacy expert Harriet Pearson. The first recommendation Pearson made was for Uber to simplify its policies. As an end result, Uber decided to drop almost half of its privacy policy, according to CNET.
Uber managing council of data privacy Katherine Tassi posted on her blog that the new policy from the company will "explain more clearly and concisely what data Uber asks for and how that data is used to improve our services." Tassi added that Uber users will be in full control of their personal information and have the power whether they want to share those information with the company.
Tassi also said that once users agree to the new Uber policy, they automatically give Uber the consent to access their location data even if they are not using the app. She also said that Uber may use users' contact list in order to send "promotional" offers.
The newly drafted Uber privacy policy will take effect in July 15, according to Fast Company. The company said that using the Uber app on and after the set date will automatically constitute as agreeing to the new privacy policy.
