Uber passengers can now make audio recordings of their journey

Riders in the UK can record audio of their journey through the Uber app if they feel unsafe. The feature can be activated before or during a trip and recording can start at any point with a button press. Audio is encrypted and stored securely on the user’s device. The recording stays locked and cannot be listened to by anyone, including the driver and the passenger, while it remains locked. Uber can access the audio only if it is uploaded as part of a safety report. If no safety report is filed within two weeks, the audio file is automatically deleted. Drivers receive a notification if recording is enabled and can cancel without penalty. Uber also introduced a verified badge for passengers who prove identity via a third-party database or by uploading an official ID document.

"Riders will now be able to make audio recordings of their journey through the Uber app if they feel unsafe. Users can activate the feature either before or during the trip and start recording at any point with the press of a button. The recording will be encrypted and secured on the user's device and will be only made accessible to Uber if they are uploaded as part of a safety report. While the recording remains locked, no one - including the driver and the passenger - will be able to listen to it."

"If a safety report is not filed within two weeks, the audio file will automatically be deleted. To turn on audio recording, navigate to the 'Safety' settings in your Uber app and allow access to the microphone. If you have record audio turned on in advance, recording will automatically begin as your driver approaches the pick-up area and end 20 seconds after the end of the ride. To activate recording during a trip, press the blue shield icon in the bottom right corner and select 'record audio'."

"Uber says that drivers will be given a notification warning them about the possibility of being recorded if the setting is turned on and will have the option to cancel without any penalty. The rideshare company also introduced a verified badge, which will show on the profile of a passengers who prove their identity through a third-party database or by uploading a official ID document. This badge will be shown to drivers when users book a ride starting from next week."

Read at Mail Online