A study from Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María uncovered 'digital food deserts' in Santiago's Metropolitan Region, where apps like Pedidos Ya, Uber Eats, and Rappi do not operate in certain neighborhoods. These exclusions link more to socioeconomic levels than crime rates. Researcher Nicolás Valenzuela points to patterns of algorithmic discrimination.
The study, led by academic Nicolás Valenzuela from USM's Architecture Department and the Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (Cedeus), systematically queried about 1,800 locations in Santiago to map platform coverage.
Findings reveal exclusions in established urban neighborhoods, not just outskirts. No significant link exists with crime rates from the Ministerio del Interior, but ties to lower incomes per Censo 2024. "Lower-income neighborhoods tend to be excluded," states Valenzuela.
Pedidos Ya shows the most uncovered zones, likely due to bicycle use limiting range, while Uber Eats covers more with cars. Rappi has spots near La Legua in San Joaquín, La Pincoya in Recoleta, south Puente Alto, and La Pintana. "It's a programmed decision," emphasizes the researcher.
Pedidos Ya noted expanding 150 square kilometers in the capital from 2025 to 2026, now reaching 115 communes. Rappi factors in demographic density, accessibility, and safety for operations.
Valenzuela warns of algorithmic discrimination amplifying inequalities, impacting service access post-pandemic, though no law mandates full coverage.