DUBAI // A new Uber app that shows customers the time to their destination and allows a cost comparison from a selection of cars was welcomed in the UAE as convenient and quicker to navigate.
However, users were unhappy and unwilling for the ride-sharing app to request a user’s personal data as part of the launch.
They described as intrusive a new feature by which the Uber app could send a note to friends and family to ask if they would share their location.
Uber said that users would have control over all information shared.
“To clarify, integrations in the new app are entirely opt-in and riders can choose whether or not to integrate the app with their calendar or to sync their contacts with the Uber app,” an Uber spokeswoman said.
The app would not collect location information all the time, only from when a rider orders a car until five minutes after the trip ends.
“In both Android and iOS, riders can opt-out of this feature. Riders can turn their device’s location services off, or they can change the Uber app’s access permissions to never access location information.”
The redesigned app was promoted on Twitter by Uber UAE with a video that announced: “The new Uber app — A faster way there is here.”
A short clip showed how ride routines were studied and suggestions made of home, office or gym. A customer could select a car from fares ranging from premium to economy and are told the estimated time for each car.
Monirul Kabir, chief innovations officer of a digital company, downloaded the redesigned app on Thursday and said he would share his calendar but not contacts.
“If the new app wants to access my contacts that is not happening, but I would love an Uber plug-in to specific entries on my calendar,” said Mr Kabir, a regular Uber user in the UAE, Toronto, New York and Istanbul.
“For back-to-back meetings, if there is an Uber waiting for me, it will help fix the hassle of waiting. But accessing my contacts is an invasion of privacy.”
Saving several destinations would make life easier for civil engineer Rayyan Hassan, but he said people object to sharing personal information.
“I use Uber because of convenience, so more information about cost and time is good. Some may like to choose newer, more luxurious cars,” he said.
“But I don’t need Uber to check location details, we are all familiar with Google maps and don’t need Uber for that. People are getting sensitive about sharing more information because they know that means more exposure.”
Uber’s die-hard users said the new features were practical.
As long as a friend gave consent to provide location details, documentary filmmaker Kevin Sebastian did not see any privacy problems.
“When anyone signs up to an app with their credit card details, frequently used locations, their privacy is already reduced significantly. The app is working for you when it knows where to pick or drop you from a friend’s place. But contacts should not be later used for advertising because that will be a problem.”
Uber said the overhaul was required since the app was harder to navigate since the last redesign in 2012.
The app roll-out is not country specific and will have updated for all users by December, Uber said.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
