Uber faces probe over software used to evade authorities

Uber has acknowledged the software, known as Greyball, helped it identify and circumvent government officials who were trying to clamp down on Uber.

SAN FRANCISCO: The US Department of Justice has begun a criminal investigation into Uber Technologies Inc’s use of a software tool that helped its drivers evade local transportation regulators, two sources familiar with the situation said.

Uber has acknowledged the software, known as “Greyball,” helped it identify and circumvent government officials who were trying to clamp down on Uber in areas where its service had not yet been approved, such as Portland, Oregon.