Uber to Let Passengers Record Audio of Rides Starting Thursday

Uber will allow passengers to record the audio of their journeys through the app starting Thursday. Riders can activate the feature before or during a trip and stop it with a button press. The encrypted file remains on the passenger's device and is deleted after two weeks unless uploaded as part of a safety report.

Drivers receive notice when recording begins before a trip and may cancel the ride without penalty. The company stated the tool is intended to give both riders and drivers additional security options.

From next week, a verified badge will appear on passenger profiles after identity details are checked against third-party databases or an official document and selfie are uploaded. Drivers will see the badge when a ride is requested. Uber UK general manager Andrew Brem said the features are part of ongoing investment in safety measures.

Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood welcomed the steps as a way to increase confidence in private-hire services. Lucy Duckworth of the Survivors Trust described the changes as a positive move toward a safety-first culture. Uber driver and GMB branch secretary Kola Olalekan said the badge addresses a request the union had made to the company.