Uber may be working on an artificial intelligence system which could detect whether passengers are drunk - and it could potentially allow drivers to refuse trips.
The ride-sharing company recently filed a patent in the US for a technological development that could guess a "user's state" every time they use the app, reports CNN. According to the patent application, the artificial intelligence (AI) system would monitor how users typically use the app in order to recognise when they stray from this behaviour - ie, when they're under the influence.
The algorithm that determines this typical behaviour pattern would assess a number of factors including typos, how accurately users click on links and buttons, the time of day, a user's walking speed, location of pick-up and how long users take to request a ride.
The application for the patent doesn't outright mention anything to do with monitoring whether or not passengers are drunk, but it's thought that this is likely to be the main incentive for the development.
It has also been inferred that Uber drivers could be informed of passengers' predicted "state" prior to accepting journeys, meaning they can select whether or not they want to take the risk of having a potentially reckless person in the back of their cab.
The downsides
Harry Campbell, author of The RideShare Guy blog, told CNN he thinks Uber may use the tech to incentivise drivers to pick up drunk passengers. "It would be cool if drivers got extra money for picking up drunk passengers," he said. If this were the case, however, it could mean that users in turn would be charged a higher fee for riding while inebriated.
And then there's the risk this could pose for vulnerable passengers. Uber is well known for its cases of driver assaults - particularly ones of a sexual nature. If information about drunk passengers were to fall into the hands of a predatory driver, they could in theory use this knowledge to take advantage of lone passengers.
I feel uncomfortable as it is travelling in an Uber on my own at night. But knowing the driver may have information to suggest I was drunk would make this all the more concerning. Plus, could this just one more way to collect data on us all?
Cosmopolitan.com/uk has reached out to Uber for comment.
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