From cloud to national territory: a periodization of ridesharing platforms in Brazil

Abstract

This article seeks to understand the arrival and the territorial expansion of ridesharing platforms in Brazil with a focus on the Uber company. First, we introduce the debate about the uberization of the economy. In this view, we aim at analysing the active role played by the space itself for the functioning of “digital platforms” which we assume as “territorial platforms”. Second, we advance a periodization of ridesharing platforms in Brazil. In doing so, we analyse how Uber uses the territory and investigate the conflicts between the company and policymakers as well as its competitors. Finally, the article proposes a debate about the strategic role of information (such as big data, algorithms, platforms, geolocation, and remote surveillance devices) as elements to be considered in a new corporate and algorithmic approach for the management of the territory.