Sen. Al Franken asked Uber to clarify its policies on storing users' location data Wednesday, three weeks after the ride-hailing company updated its app to restrict privacy options for sharing location information.

In a letter to Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, Franken asked the company to take steps to "restore users' control over their sensitive location information," and update its privacy policy to "reflect the company's public assurances and justifications related to the most recent app update."

The update, which Uber rolled out on Dec. 2, drew ire from consumer privacy advocates and some users over the fact that it collects user location data from the time a trip is requested until five minutes after it ends. The new update is especially concerning for iOS users, because it removes the ability to let the Uber app access location data only while it's running. Instead, the app requests permission to track a user's location at any time. The alternative is to deny location access entirely, which requires you to enter a pickup address each time you request a ride.

Franken cited "renewed allegations" regarding Uber employees' past abuse of customer data as part of the reason for his letter. In a lawsuit filed against the company this week, a former employee alleged that Uber allowed its employees to "track high profile politicians, celebrities, and even personal acquaintances of Uber employees, including ex-boyfriends/girlfriends, and ex-spouses," the San Jose Mercury News reported.

Related Uber Collects Location Data After a Ride Ends

Franken issued requests for four specific changes to the privacy policy, including adding language on the collection and use of location information, clarifying trip-related location data, and a requirement to notify users of any changes to the privacy policy via both email and app notifications.

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