It’s been quite a troubling time for driver-on-demand apps these days. Every year or so, we hear some big news about bans, and things continue normally. Just this month, we had three big “news.” As is normal, there is a lot of confusion and not everything that was said turned out to be true. We’re going to go through each and every news piece mentioned about these topics. Then attempt to explain what is really happening. We will say what’s true and false, simple and to the point.
Also, we launched all the info we have on a new mysterious app called MisrCab. Read all about this new viral app here.
#1 Uber and Careem are in legal trouble
According to Egypt Today, in February 2017, a group of taxi drivers filed a case against the duo for violating Egypt’s traffic laws. The Cairo Administrative Court had accepted the case. In March 2018 , it ordered “the suspension of the two companies license in Egypt.” This would effectively mean that they should currently stop immediately. Furthermore, there have also been issues with the apps’ and the government. Specifically over sharing data with the authorities. It would mean that the apps share the user data with the government, but we do not know much details about this section. This will likely start a huge debate on user privacy and data. (Sure you don’t want to read about MisrCab? It’s right here.)
True. Uber and Careem are having legal problems.
#2 Uber and Careem will no longer operate in Egypt
Both companies have responded to the news and rumours: they have both published posts on social media to say they will continue operation, and declared that they will appeal against the court’s ruling concerning their suspension.
Careem’s Response
Uber’s Response
False. Uber and Careem are still operating in Egypt.
#3 We’re making a new law
According to Egypt Independent, “Members of the Transport and Communications Commission, National Security, Economic Affairs, and Communications in the House of Representatives approved in principle the draft law on the regulation of land transport services which use information technology for passengers.”
In other words, how can we all make this work? It seems that the meeting also had representatives from Uber. Uber launched a social media post thanking the Egyptian Parliament for the invitation.
Careem’s page does not have a thank you. We don’t know for sure if they were invited to the party or not.
Conclusion
There is an existing suspension on Uber and Careem’s licenses but they’re still working normally. It’s is going to be just fine because now everyone is talking together and drafting laws.
RELATED POST: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT MISRCAB. What’s MisrCab? Info on “Mysterious” App That Went Viral.
