Turf

Wars

Exclusive: Uber faces criminal probe over software used to evade authorities

The U.S. Department of Justice has begun a criminal investigation into Uber Technologies Inc's use of a software tool that helped its drivers evade local transportation regulators, two sources familiar with the situation said. 

Uber has acknowledged the software, known as "Greyball," helped it identify and circumvent government officials who were trying to clamp down on Uber in areas where its service had not yet been approved, such as Portland, Oregon.

 The technology was used partly to prevent fraud and protect drivers from harm, the company blog post said. If a ride request was deemed illegitimate, Uber's app showed bogus information and the requester would not be picked up, the employees told Reuters. 

However, the Greyball technique was also used against suspected local officials who could have been looking to fine drivers, impound cars or otherwise prevent Uber from operating, the employees said.

DYI:  Nothing more than turf wars as existing cab companies come under fierce competition something they haven’t experienced in years.  Also the regulating governmental body wants their share of the bounty (profits) in the form of taxes.  Uber and other companies that follow are disruptive technology changing one industry after another.

I suppose the law is the law, however it seems like a big waste a time and resources for the U.S. Department of Justice when they could easily go after the Medical Industrial Complex who collude in order to price fix and form monopolies, up to and including outright fraudulent billings all costing the insurance premium payers and governmental programs Medicare and Medicaid in the billions.  But no let’s coddle a bunch of cab drivers and local governments who want to maintain the status quo with local cab company monopolies and the government having a known stream of tax dollars all at the expense of the consumer.

DYI