Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

• Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

• Ring launched Video Descriptions, an AI-powered feature that sends users text notifications of relevant real-time events occurring at home.
• The new feature started to roll out in the U.S. and Canada.
• The technology raises security concerns over data privacy and security.

Users can expect notifications with simplified descriptions such as “Two people are peering into a white car in the driveway,” or “A person is walking up the steps with a black dog.”

Once the technology understands the customer’s home behaviour, it will be able to provide more relevant notifications. “It will learn the routines of your residence, get smarter, and deliver peace of mind by only notifying you when it is something out of the ordinary,” wrote Siminoff.

However, the methodology and the use of the generative-AI feature also raise security concerns. According to The Register , Ring has faced challenges and legal battles related to data privacy and security, including past incidents involving cybercriminals and rogue employees spying on customers.

The Register asked Ring how data from the new feature will be stored, under what circumstances it might share private information with law enforcement, and how the data is secured. The company did not provide detailed answers. “We do not log the descriptions generated from Video Descriptions,” a Ring spokesperson said.

Image by Paul Hanaoka, from Unsplash

Uber Accused Of Using Algorithms To Boost Profits At Drivers’ Expense

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Two academic studies reveal that Uber implemented hidden pricing algorithms which both increased fares and reduced driver earnings for millions of trips.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

• Uber’s take rate increased from 32% to 42% in two years.
• Oxford study found Uber takes over 50% of some UK trip fares.
• Uber denies using personal data or unfair pricing practices.

Uber faces new criticism because researchers at Columbia Business School released their second major academic report , accusing the company of using hidden algorithms to boost its profits by charging passengers more and paying drivers less. The study was first reported by The Guardian .

The research team analyzed 24,000 US trips together with 2 million ride requests. The study revealed Uber’s “upfront pricing” system from 2022 allowed the company to both increase fares for riders and decrease payments to drivers.

Business Insider suggests that this pricing strategy may be a key factor behind Uber’s 300% stock surge over the past three years. This method was described by the researchers as “algorithmic price discrimination” that affected “billions of … trips, systematically, selectively, and opaquely.”

“Uber says ‘we know more about driver and rider behaviour, so we can figure out who is willing to pay more [as a passenger] or accept less [as a driver].’ I’m in awe of what they have been able to accomplish,’” said lead researcher Len Sherman, as reported by The Guardian.

The study revealed Uber’s profit share known as the “take rate” increased from 32% to exceed 42% during the last quarter of 2024. The company retained higher portions of each fare payment while drivers received smaller amounts of money.

The Guardian also notes that a new University of Oxford research revealed that Uber’s UK take rate increased from 25% to 29% and exceeded 50% on some trips.

A New York Uber driver told Business Insider he once received over 50% of each fare. But since upfront pricing was introduced in his area, his share has dropped—often to under 30%.

He shared screenshots and payout notes from recent trips with Business Insider, showing a consistent decline. “They’ll tell you that they paid Uber $60, and you’re lucky if you get $20,” he said to Business Insider

Both reports say the shift began when Uber rolled out dynamic and upfront pricing algorithms that replaced its earlier surge pricing model. The Guardian argues that the new pricing systems allow Uber to control fares better but reduce transparency for both drivers and passengers according to critics.

Uber denied the claims. “Our pricing is designed to be transparent and fair,” a company spokesperson, as reported by The Guardian. “We do not personalise prices based on personal data, and claims of unfair manipulation are not supported by evidence,” the spokesperson added.