Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Travel

Uber Uses System To Detect Overly Drunk Riders

A taxi and breathalyzer in one.

Image Via

Founded in 2009, Uber transformed the transportation industry. Since then, the company has become synonymous with taxi, food delivery service, chauffer, and even carpool. And now Uber is rolling out a system to identify drunken passengers.

While taking an Uber home after a night out is absolutely the safest option, many drivers hate driving drunken customers. People are loud, obnoxious – perhaps even falling over – and this behavior is distracting to drivers. Using artificial intelligence, the taxi app is patenting technology to detect so-called “uncharacteristic user activity”. Depending on one’s user activity rating, drivers can decide whether to pick up a rider or not.

Identifiers such as accuracy of phone typing, walking speed, and the angle one is holding his/her phone will detect drunk user activity. These are all fairly precise and factual indicators of how drunk a potential rider may be. While drivers use their own discretion to pick up a drunken rider, there are critiques of the system. The system might identify vulnerable customers who could be taken advantage of in different manners. Not so safe anymore, is it?

Image Via

The company does not seem troubled by the criticisms. Of the new AI technology, the company had the following to say:

“We are always exploring ways that our technology can help improve the Uber experience for riders and drivers.

We file patent applications on many ideas, but not all of them actually become products or features.”

This assurance is helpful in that the new system may never be implemented. Can you imagine if people were not able to get an Uber ride because they were deemed too drunk to be taken home? Employing the new system would defeat Uber’s sole purpose as a taxi company…a company one would hope could take people home after drinking too much. Maybe think again Uber.

And coming soon…air taxis?

Written By

You May Also Like

Social Media

Deinfluencers are dissuading people from purchasing trendy products to combat overconsumption.

College

Medical students at Midwestern University protest a club purported to spread abortion misinformation.

Travel

A list-icle featuring some of the most unique and affordable stays in Asia for your gap year adventure!

Food & Drink

Local shops modernized the '90s coffee culture to inspire coffee appreciation but are being challenged by society's "Turbo" mentality.

Social Media

Has the pro-ana campaign of the 90s moved to TikTok?

Travel

Tech hub beats out big cities.

Social Media

For anyone who wants to know how to change their age on TikTok after its policy changes, here's how.

Tech

Turns out AI can't do everything better than us.

Life

Are you wondering why your Hinge profile isn't getting any attention? Try these tips to improve your first impression.

College

University is a huge adjustment for anyone, but with the right advice and preparation, it can also be the best time of your life!

College

Tracking college enrollment from before the pandemic to now.

Food & Drink

Sustainable, Ethical Food Shopping's Never Tasted this Good