Proposed ban on ride-sharing apps stalled due to limited telecom support
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
The proposed ban on ride-sharing apps locally by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has hit a brick wall, as only one telecommunications provider has responded to a letter from Vaz to restrict access to the applications.
The Transport Minister in recent weeks recommended an immediate ban on all ride-sharing apps until they meet regulation requirements. This recommendation follows the disappearance of 29-year-old St Catherine teacher Danielle Anglin, who was reportedly using a ride-sharing app at the time.
Vaz said he has written to the country’s two telecommunications providers, indicating concerns raised by citizens about their safety while using ride-sharing apps.
However, only one provider has responded to his letter, as Vaz confirmed in a statement on Friday, June 14.
“While not objecting to the ban, the company has requested that supporting legal documentation be provided to indicate the authority to implement such restrictions. The other telecom provider has yet to respond. There is therefore no ban in place at this time,” the minister said.
The minister did not reveal the telecommunications company that has responded to his call.
The Transport Minister says he will be engaging the minister’s of national security and justice to establish the necessary regulation to prevent telecommunication companies from denying requests made by the government to protect national security.
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