Ride-hailing giant Uber is on a collision course with the Lagos State Government in Nigeria over data sharing.
A 2020 agreement, granting the Lagos government access to user trip and location data for planning purposes, generating revenue for the state, and enhancing security was reached. This data was shared daily by Uber and other ride-hailing platforms.
However, two weeks ago, the Lagos government upped the ante, demanding real-time access to trip details, and threatening sanctions against non-compliant ride-hailing companies.
The Lagos government argues real-time data access is necessary to identify drivers and riders, enhancing user safety in emergencies. However, a source close to Uber disputes the need, highlighting that daily data is already provided.
This new demand has placed Uber in a precarious position. While competitor Bolt, along with at least one other unnamed ride-hailing company, has acquiesced, Uber remains hesitant.
Concerns that real-time access opens Pandora’s box of privacy issues, potentially exposing users to unwarranted surveillance and placing the company at risk of lawsuits have been emphasized.
Uber has chosen to remain silent on the matter so far. However, human rights advocates have voiced their opinions. Kehinde Adegboyega, founder of the Human Rights Journalists Network, emphasized the need for a “responsible data sharing framework” that strikes a balance between leveraging data for public good, such as improving transportation services, and safeguarding individual privacy.
The situation escalated last week when the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, publicly rebuked Uber for its “continuous defiance.” He emphasized the critical role of real-time data sharing facilitated by an Application Programming Interface (API) integration.
According to Osiyemi, this is essential for real-time government monitoring and ensuring accountability during active trips, ultimately fostering a secure transportation sector for Lagos residents.
Osiyemi stressed the urgency of Uber rectifying its non-compliance and warned of “stern sanctions” if the company fails to comply with the data-sharing agreement and implement the API integration. He cautioned Uber users that these sanctions could significantly impact their ability to use the service in Lagos.
With the Lagos government digging in its heels and Uber maintaining its reservations, the situation remains unresolved. The coming days will be vital in determining whether Uber will submit to the pressure and share real-time data or choose to challenge the government’s demands.
This decision has the potential to enormously impact user privacy, safety regulations, and the future of the ride-hailing industry in Lagos, a city of over 20 million people.
The outcome of this clash will be watched closely by other Nigerian states and potentially other African nations going through similar issues of balancing data privacy with security concerns.
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