Uber To Launch New Feature That Lets Users Record Their Rides And Report Safety Incidents

Uber will start letting drivers and riders record audio via the app during rides as part of its attempts to improve safety, the Washington Post reported. With this feature, users can opt-in and add a warning saying that the ride can be recorded, said the Post.

Drivers and passengers can start recording by tapping on a button in the app’s Saftey Toolkit, which lets either of them capture audio during or before their trip, according to the company. The recording will be encrypted and stored on both the driver’s and rider’s phone, which can only be played if Uber gives the key.

After the trip, users can send a safety incident report along with the recording to the ride-hailing firm.

Previously, Uber said that it would pilot this feature in some Mexican and Brazilian in the US in December. Recordings of rides can be shared with law enforcement if requested, according to a Reuters report from earlier this month. The company designed this feature to compliant with local laws.

Over the last few years, there have been hundreds of Uber drivers and riders that alleged sexual assault during trips. In addition, the firm has faced lawsuits filed by people who say that they were groped or raped by drivers.

After each trip, users can send a report of a safety incident as well as send the recording to the company. The feature will roll out in the United States first.