And yet, there exists a huge database of precise pickup/dropoff points and times for NYC yellow taxicabs that someone obtained using a Freedom of Information Act. http://www.andresmh.com/nyctaxitrips/

I think I'd rather my data only be available to a private company and their handful of engineers than the whole world.

...which Uber will, potentially, drive out of business because their service is cheaper, due to lack of regulation. :(