Uber blames iOS for still tracking your location even when you're not using the app

Uber's short-lived experiment with self-driving cars in San Francisco isn't the only thing that's freaking out its users. The app recently invited controversy after it changed how its location-tracking works.

Prior to the update, users could choose two location-tracking options: "Never" and "When using the app." But after the update, users noticed the latter was replaced with "Always," leading many to fear Uber's overstepping with collecting location data even when the app's not in use.

Uber disputes any ill-intentions. According to the company's website, the app only collects a user's location data "from the time of trip request through five minutes after the trip ends, including when the app is in the background."

The ride-hailing company says the five-minute tracking after a trip is done "to improve pickups, drop-offs, customer service, and to enhance safety."

Naturally, Uber users are speaking out about what they feel is unnecessary tracking. Despite Uber saying the app only tracks location for five minutes after a ride, some users reported the app was still tracking their location long after. In some cases, days and weeks after not having used the app, and long after purging it from running in the background.

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After an investigation, an Uber spokesperson told TechCrunch, the problem has to do with iOS and the Maps extension feature that was added in September. In simplest terms, the extension adds greater integration with Apple Maps and lets users call an Uber car from right within the app.

“For people who choose to integrate ride sharing apps with iOS Maps, location data must be shared in order for you to request a ride inside the Maps app," an Uber spokesperson told TechCrunch. "Map extensions are disabled by default and you can choose to turn them on in your iOS settings.”

In other words, if you've got the extension enabled to work with Apple Maps (a nice convenience), the app needs to constantly collect your location in order to accurately work.

But don't you worry. Though Uber and other ride-sharing apps like Lyft have their extensions disabled by default, you can easily turn them off if you're worried about any potential location-tracking abuse. Go to Settings > Maps > and then under Extensions, switch off off Uber.

At the very least, now you can rest easy knowing Uber isn't spying on your late night Burger King runs.