Uber used software to cheat authorities

Uber on Friday acknowledged the use of a secret software programme to steer drivers away from trouble, including sting operations by local authorities to catch lawbreakers.

In the latest in a streak of damaging news for the ridesharing giant, Uber came forward about its “Greyball” software after a New York Times report said the programme aimed to deceive authorities in markets around the world.

A statement from Uber said the tool was used in cities where it was not banned from operating, and the main intent was to protect drivers from disruption by competitors using the smartphone application to interfere instead of summon legitimate rides. “This programme denies ride requests to fraudulent users who are violating our terms of service,” an Uber spokesperson said in an email reply to an AFP inquiry.

“Whether that’s people aiming to physically harm drivers, competitors looking to disrupt our operations, or opponents who collude with officials on secret ‘stings’ meant to entrap drivers.”

Uber said the programme was used in locations where drivers feared for their safety, and “rarely” to avoid law enforcement. The NYT report, which said Greyball was used in several countries, cited interviews with current and former employees whose names were cloaked. It said Greyball was part of a broader programme created to reveal people trying to use Uber in “violation of terms of service”.