Uber Rolls Out In-App Video Recording for Indian Drivers to Boost Safety

Uber Pilots In-App Video Recording for Drivers in India Uber has quietly begun piloting in-app video recording for its drivers in India, a move aimed at deterring misconduct in a market where most drivers do not use dashcams. The tool, which has been rolling out in phases since May, is now live in 10 cities across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. According to Uber, the in-app video recording feature is designed to provide evidence when disputes arise between drivers and passengers. The company has confirmed that the pilot is part of its efforts to enhance safety and security for its drivers, who often face misconduct from riders, including false complaints about their behavior. In some cases, drivers have reported being threatened with penalties or even account suspensions. Half a dozen Uber drivers in the DelhiNCR region shared their experiences with TechCrunch, revealing that they sometimes face misconduct from riders, particularly female passengers traveling late at night. One driver, who requested anonymity out of fear of losing his account, stated, "Even female passengers traveling late at night insist that we follow the route they want instead of what's shown on the map. If we refuse, they threaten to file false complaints." The pilot has sparked mixed reactions from drivers, with some questioning whether Uber would back them in cases involving riders. As one driver noted, "Passengers pay for the trip and can easily switch to competing platforms if dissatisfied." However, others see the in-app video recording feature as a crucial tool in protecting themselves from false allegations. The Indian market presents a unique challenge for Uber, with a large and growing user base, but also a high incidence of misconduct against drivers. According to a report by the Indian government, there were over 1.5 million registered taxi drivers in the country as of 2020. Uber operates in over 10 cities across India, with a significant presence in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The in-app video recording feature is part of Uber's broader efforts to enhance safety and security for its drivers. In 2020, the company launched a panic button feature in its app, which allows drivers to quickly alert authorities in case of an emergency. The company has also introduced a system to verify the identity of riders, in an effort to reduce the risk of fake bookings. The pilot of in-app video recording for drivers in India is a significant development in the ride-hailing industry, which has been grappling with issues of safety and security. As the market continues to grow, companies like Uber will need to prioritize the well-being of their drivers, who are often the frontline of the business. The success of the pilot will be closely watched by industry observers, who will be looking to see whether the feature can effectively deter misconduct and provide a safer working environment for drivers. If successful, the in-app video recording feature could be rolled out to other markets, potentially setting a new standard for the ride-hailing industry.