Uber is introducing a new feature allowing riders in the UK to record audio during journeys, as the ride-hailing platform responds to growing safety and identity verification concerns.
From Thursday, passengers across the UK were able to press record before or during trips directly through the Uber app, with audio stored in encrypted form on their device.
Recordings are retained on a user’s device for up to two weeks, and will only become accessible to Uber if uploaded as part of a formal safety report.
Drivers will be notified if a passenger activates the recording function and are permitted to cancel the journey without penalty should they choose to do so.
The feature marks a notable shift in how tech platforms are leaning on surveillance-style tools and digital identity checks to reassure both customers and workers.
Uber is also rolling out verified rider badges, which allow passengers to confirm their identity through third-party database checks or by uploading a government-issued ID alongside a selfie.
Drivers will begin seeing verification badges on rider profiles from next week, giving them greater visibility over who is getting into their vehicle before a trip begins.
The company said the changes were designed to provide “extra peace of mind” as ride-hailing platforms continue to face scrutiny over the safety of passengers and drivers alike.
Uber UK general manager Andrew Brem said: “We are always investing in new ways to make journeys even safer. These new safety features provide both riders and drivers with extra peace of mind.”
Brem added: “Riders can record the audio of their journeys securely, and drivers can feel more confident about who is getting in their car.”
Lucy Duckworth, of Survivors Trust, said the features were “a positive step” towards creating a “safety-first culture” within the ride-hailing industry.
GMB, which represents thousands of private hire drivers, said the verification badges would offer “greater confidence” for drivers accepting bookings late at night or in unfamiliar areas.
The new tools arrive as questions around digital identity and biometric data have intensified following a string of high-profile leaks involving passport scans and facial recognition systems.
If no safety report is filed by a passenger, the encrypted audio files will be automatically deleted from the device after the two-week storage period expires.