Breakthrough for ride-sharing firms

Egypt's Parliament has approved a law to govern popular ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem after the companies appealed a court ruling that revoked their licences. The new law establishes operating licences and fees. It requires licensed companies to store user data for 180 days and provide it to Egyptian security authorities upon request. A report on The Telegraph site notes that both companies have welcomed the move. ‘We will continue working with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet in the coming months as the law is finalised, and look forward to continuing to serve the millions of Egyptian riders and drivers that rely on us,’ said Uber spokesperson Shaden Abdellatif. Careem said it marked the first time in any of its markets 'that a regulatory framework for ride-hailing has emerged from a consultative legislative and parliamentary process’. Both companies provide smartphone apps that connect passengers with drivers who work as independent contractors.