Report: Uber investigating exec for tracking user
Another day, another executive from ride-sharing service Uber in hot water.
According to BuzzFeed, Uber is investigating Josh Mohrer, general manager of the company's service in New York, for tracking one of their reporters' rides without permission. The report also details a tool called "God View" that can track customers through vehicle locations.
Citing two former Uber employees, the report says "God View" was widely available to corporate employees, but not drivers.
The BuzzFeed report says in November, a reporter arrived at Uber's New York headquarters for an interview to find Mohrer waiting for her outside. "There you are," said Mohrer. "I was tracking you."
A privacy policy published by Uber on Tuesday says rider and driver data are only accessed for "legitimate business purposes," which included monitoring fraudulent activity or facilitating transactions for drivers.
"The policy is also clear that access to rider and driver accounts is being closely monitored and audited by data security specialists on an ongoing basis, and any violations of the policy will result in disciplinary action, including the possibility of termination and legal action," reads an excerpt from Uber's privacy policy.
The privacy controversy follows comments from Emil Michael, Uber's senior vice president of business, that suggested the company hire a team to dig into personal information on journalists and Uber critics.
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick condemned the remarks on Twitter, saying Michael showed a "lack of leadership." However, Kalanick did not say whether Michael would be fired.
Meanwhile, Uber has found an interesting ally: Ashton Kutcher. On Twitter, Kutcher -- whose A-Grade Investments fund invested in Uber -- questioned why digging up information on a journalist is an issue. He later backed off. "U r all right and I'm on the wrong side of this ultimately," wrote Kutcher. "I just wish journalists were held to the same standards as public figures."
The string of incidents arrives as Uber continues to woo investors. Uber is reportedly seeking to raise another $1 billion that would value the company at as much as $30 billion.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.
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