Uber, the popular ride-hailing service, has started rolling out a new feature that enables in-app video recording for drivers in India. The company’s new in-app recording function aims to protect drivers from misconduct and false allegations.
Tell the story of six Uber drivers working in Delhi-NCR region TechCrunch They often face misbehavior from passengers, some of whom even threaten them with false complaints about their behavior. These allegations not only force them to pay a fine but also lead to account suspension.
In a statement to the publication, the Uber driver said: “Even female passengers traveling late at night insist that we follow the route they want instead of what is shown on the map. If we refuse, they threaten to file false complaints.”
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When Uber drivers were asked about the new in-app video recording feature, they said the function will help them protect themselves in such situations, as they will be able to show proof of what happened when a customer raises a dispute. However, some of them wondered whether the company would support them in such cases, as passengers can easily switch to alternatives if they do not like being recorded.
As of now, Uber’s in-app video recording feature is available as a beta test in 10 cities across the country, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Chandigarh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata and Mumbai. When the driver starts recording video, a notification will be sent to the passenger letting them know they are being recorded.
“All recordings are double-encrypted, stored on the device, and cannot be accessed by anyone — including Uber — unless the user chooses to share them as part of a safety report,” an Uber spokesperson told the publication. The recordings are also automatically deleted from the device if the driver does not share them after seven days.
First tested in the US in 2022, the video recording feature is currently available in Canada and Brazil and builds on Uber’s in-app voice recording feature. At the time of writing, it’s still unclear whether Uber’s in-app video recording feature will be rolled out nationwide, so we’ll be waiting for the pilot to perform for a few months to find out more. Recently, the company also introduced new features for teens and seniors for safer trips.
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