The combination of easily available cars, user-friendly apps and reasonable pricing make ridesharing services like UBER and Lyft unbeatable forms of transportation for many people.The way these services use information collected from their apps, however, could compromise the user's personal security if mishandled.

What kind of data do ridesharing apps collect?

Location Data: Apps like Uber and Lyft are GPS-based and require the location of both the drivers and ride requestors. This can be problematic if riders don't turn off their location after completing their ride because it could allow the app to continue to track and collect data about the user's whereabouts.

Personal Information: Several ridesharing services require users to link to a social media account in order to verify their identity. Therefore, granting the app access to personal information shared via social networking sites like Facebook.

Credit Card Information: Ridesharing is a cashless service, so in order to use them users must store valid credit card information on their profile.

How can I protect my information while using ridesharing apps?


Location Data: You can use ridesharing apps without giving constant access to your location.

If you're on an iPhone, go to Settings, then scroll down and find Privacy. Select Location Services and then scroll down to find your app. Here's where you can switch "Allow Location Access" from "Always" to "While Using."

To turn off location sharing on Android, head to the Settings app and select Apps. Find Uber and scroll down to Permission. From here you can toggle the Location settings.

If you're worried about drivers knowing where you live, you can set up a "fake address" as your home instead of your actual address. In the app, go to settings and under "Favorites" enter an address that is near your house and save it as "Home." After all, having drivers pick you up near your residence is safer than telling strangers exactly where you live.

Credit Card Information: While it varies between apps, if you're an Apple user and have your cards stored in Apple Pay, you can utilize UBER without entering your credentials into the app at all.

How can I protect my personal safety while using ridesharing apps?

Over the past several years, ridesharing apps have been enhancing their safety features, but it never hurts to have a second line of defense. Apps like SafeTrek, bSafe and Kitestring can help ensure your personal safety in emergent and day-to-day situations.