Why Uber is hated, and envied

And we’re only scratching the surface, starting with the latest in a string of controversies around the ridesharing Goliath:

It’s Unscrupulous: A week ago, a Uber executive allegedly suggested hiring opposition researchers to dig up dirt on journos, and a top official came under the lens for violating a reporter’s data privacy

It’s Sexist: In October, Uber’s branch in Lyon, France, released a promotion promising to pair its customers with “hot chick” drivers. After BuzzFeed asked Uber to comment, the promotion was duly scrubbed off. Uber France apologised for the promotion

It crosses the line: In August, The Verge got hold of documents that suggested that Uber was sending ‘brand ambassadors’ undercover to recruit drivers from rivals like Lyft. In a blog post, Uber defended the strategy by saying it was just “cutting through the noise.