Uber Tests In-App Video Recording for Drivers in India
â–Ľ Summary
– Uber is piloting an in-app video recording feature for drivers in India to deter misconduct in a market where dashcams are uncommon.
– Drivers report facing threats of false complaints from passengers, which can lead to penalties or account suspensions.
– The pilot is currently active in 10 Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, and riders are notified when recording is active.
– Recordings are encrypted, stored on the device, and automatically deleted after a week unless shared in a safety report.
– Uber must balance the feature’s benefits for dispute resolution with privacy concerns as it considers expanding the pilot.
Uber has initiated a pilot program in India that introduces an in-app video recording function for its drivers, aiming to enhance safety and reduce disputes in a market where dashcam usage remains uncommon. This new feature provides drivers with a tool to document incidents and protect themselves against false complaints from passengers, addressing a significant concern voiced by many drivers who operate in the region.
Several drivers working in and around Delhi have reported facing threats and misconduct from riders, including instances where passengers demand route changes not shown on the app’s map. One driver, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained that refusing such demands often leads to threats of false reports, which can result in penalties or temporary suspension of their accounts. The ability to record video directly within the Uber app offers a way to collect evidence that could clarify what actually occurred during a trip.
While many drivers welcome the feature as a protective measure, some remain skeptical about whether Uber will consistently support them in disputes with paying customers. Riders, after all, have the freedom to switch to competing services if they feel unsatisfied, which could influence how the company handles complaints.
The pilot program, which launched in stages starting in May, is now active in ten major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow. Passengers receive a notification at the start of a trip if video recording is enabled.
According to an Uber spokesperson, all video recordings are double-encrypted and stored locally on the driver’s device. Neither Uber nor any other party can access these recordings unless the user submits them as part of a safety report. Any footage not shared through the official reporting system is automatically erased after seven days.
This video recording tool follows the earlier rollout of an in-app audio recording feature in India during 2023. Uber first tested video recording in the United States in 2022, and the function is already available for drivers in Canada and Brazil.
As the pilot continues, Uber will need to carefully manage the balance between improving safety through documentation and addressing privacy concerns in a key international market. The performance and reception of the video recording tool over the coming months will likely determine whether it becomes a permanent, widely available feature across India and other regions.
(Source: TechCrunch)