How Uber is protecting drivers from rider misconduct in India
What's the story
Uber has started testing a new feature that allows its drivers to record videos within the app. The move is aimed at curbing misconduct in India, where most drivers don't use dashcams. The pilot program was launched in May and is now available in 10 Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow.
Driver concerns
Addressing driver concerns
Several Uber drivers in the Delhi-NCR region have reported facing misconduct from riders. Some have even been threatened with false complaints about their behavior, which could lead to penalties or account suspensions. The new video recording feature is seen as a way to protect drivers by providing evidence in case of disputes between them and the riders.
Company statement
Recordings stored on device
An Uber spokesperson said all recordings are double-encrypted and stored on the device. They can't be accessed by anyone, including Uber itself, unless a user decides to share them as part of a safety report. If not shared within a week, these recordings are automatically deleted. The feature builds on an audio recording function that was launched in India in 2023.
International rollout
Video recording feature already available in Canada, Brazil
The video recording feature was first tested in the US in 2022, and is already available in Canada and Brazil. As the pilot program expands, Uber will have to balance its potential to defuse disputes with privacy and surveillance concerns in one of its key markets. It remains unclear when this tool would be rolled out more widely across India or other regions.