Uber has launched a new in-app safety feature in Canada that allows both riders and drivers to record audio during trips in case of an on-trip incident. The feature gives riders and drivers the option to record audio during a trip by tapping the blue shield icon on the map screen and hitting "Start" on the "Record Audio" option. Drivers and riders can start or stop an audio recording at any point during a trip, and the recording will automatically stop shortly after the trip is completed unless ended manually.
To protect privacy, once an audio recording is completed, the audio file is encrypted and stored directly on the rider’s or driver’s device. No one will be able to listen to the recording, including Uber, unless a safety incident is reported. If a safety incident is reported through the app, the user will be able to attach the audio file to the report and share it with Uber’s specialized safety support team.
The audio recording feature was first launched in Latin America in 2019 and has since been rolled out as a pilot in several cities around the world. Uber hopes that the new feature will encourage safe and positive interactions between riders and drivers and give them peace of mind during trips. The company has always been committed to leveraging its innovative technology to build features that help make Uber safer, and this new safety feature is yet another step towards that goal.
Rideshare Security Features
Uber Announced a New Optional 'Audio Recording' Feature for Safety
Trend Themes
1. In-app Audio Recording - Developing new safety features that allow both riders and drivers to record audio during trips has the potential to increase trust and prevent incidents in ride-share platforms
2. Privacy-centric Technology - Developing new technology that integrates privacy policies and best practices can inspire trust towards the ride-share industry and potentially attract users from other segments
3. Specialized Safety Support - Providing real-time safety support and implementing community guidelines that prioritize fairness and justice has the potential to foster a safer and more inclusive ride-share ecosystem
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The ride-share industry can leverage innovative technology to build safety features that inspire trust and protect the privacy of riders and drivers alike
2. Information Security - Developing a privacy-centric and secure system to handle user data and audio recordings can be a fertile ground for innovation and investment opportunities
3. Customer Support - Developing specialized safety support teams to address user concerns and complaints and implement community guidelines can contribute to a more transparent and ethical ride-share industry