Uber Created a System to Remotely Lock Computers During Police Raids

Uber developed a secret system called Ripley, designed to lock employees’ computers in the event of unexpected situations such as police visits. The system aims to restrict authorities’ access to company data, according to a report by Bloomberg.

How Ripley Was Used

According to the report, Uber used Ripley at least two dozen times in 2015 and 2016 in various countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Hong Kong.

In one instance, Ripley was used to prevent Canadian tax authorities from collecting evidence when they suspected Uber of violating tax laws. When tax officials visited the Montreal office, Uber employees notified the company’s headquarters in San Francisco, after which all computers in the office were remotely shut down.

Background and Purpose

Uber developed this system after a police raid on its Brussels office, during which Belgian law enforcement gained access to financial documents, payment systems, and company work data. Subsequently, a court forced Uber to cease operations in Belgium for working without the necessary licenses.

According to Uber representatives, the tool is intended for remotely changing passwords or locking devices in case they are lost or stolen, and installing such software is standard practice in many companies.

“Like every company with offices around the world, we have security procedures in place to protect corporate and customer data,” Uber’s press office stated.