Y’all, #Uber is out here trying to clock people’s tea, but it’s for a very good reason!
The ride-share service has applied for a U.S. patent for a system that can detect the “state” of passengers. Uber is wanting to be able to determine who’s intoxicated and who isn’t so that it can better match passengers with drivers who are better equipped to deal with their late-night shenanigans.
@CNN caught wind of the patent and describe it as a method to measure “the user’s behavior on their phone against their usual behavior, using information like location, data input accuracy, data input speed, interface interaction behavior, the angle at which the user is holding their device, or even the speed at which they’re walking.”
In addition to this, there is a safety factor at play. In the wake of Uber’s company-wide investigation into sexual misconduct, CNN also reported that at least 103 Uber drivers have been accused of sexual assault or abuse in the past four years. According to police reports obtained by CNN, many of the passengers claimed to have been under the influence of alcohol prior to getting in the car.
While this system could certainly help drivers weed out rowdy fares, there is a chance that passengers could be targeted.
I guess we’ll have to see if the patent gets approved! Until then stay on your P’s and Q’s, Roommates!
TSR STAFF: Talia O. @theclosetratchet on IG
