The FBI is investigating whether Uber used secret software called 'Hell' to track Lyft drivers

pulse

September 10, 2017 8:44 AM

Uber used a secret software program, internally dubbed "Hell," to track drivers from its rival Lyft, according to reports.

The FBI is leading an investigation into whether Uber used secret software called "Hell" to track drivers from its rival Lyft, The Wall Street Journal's Rebecca Davis O'Brien and Greg Bensinger reported on Friday.

Uber is said to have created fake Lyft passenger accounts using the internal Hell software so it could see the exact location of Lyft cars. This reportedly allowed Uber to see what Lyft was charging for rides and how many drivers were nearby.

The FBI's New York office is now leading an investigation with the Manhattan US attorney's office into Uber's use of the Hell program, according to the report.

An Uber representative told Business Insider that the company was cooperating with the investigation, adding that the program was no longer operational.

This isn't the first time Uber has been accused of trying to undermine Lyft. Data provided by Lyft in 2014 showed that Uber had employees order and cancel more than 5,000 rides, CNN reported.

The Justice Department is investigating Uber's use of a software tool dubbed "Greyball" that, according to The New York Times, was meant to help drivers evade transportation regulators. It's also investigating whether Uber violated laws involving the bribery of foreign officials.

The FBI investigation is the latest in a string of scandals that newly appointed CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will have to navigate following a tumultuous few months for the ride-hailing company. Waymo, the company spun out of Google's self-driving-technology unit, is suing Uber over claims it stole intellectual property and trade secrets.

Cofounder Travis Kalanick resigned as CEO of the company in June.

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