(Credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
To help drivers feel safer, Uber is rolling out a new rider verification program in the US.
Starting today, drivers will see blue badges displayed on trip requests if a rider has completed their verification process. Uber says this security measure helps "deter fraudulent behavior" and was built in response to driver feedback for more information about who they pick up.
To verify riders, Uber will cross-check their account information with third-party databases during signup. If Uber fails to verify the details, riders can voluntarily opt-in to upload a government ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport, along with a live selfie to finish the process. Uber says that once verified, riders can avoid longer ETAs and pickup times.
Uber also mentioned that the documents uploaded by riders will be encrypted and stored securely. Drivers won't see the verification data; they'll only see the rider's first name, star rating, verification badge, and trip details.
"This isn't a guarantee of someone's identity or good behavior, but it can help us build trust and accountability on our platform," Uber says.
Changes to account details such as phone number, email address, or rider's first name could take away the verification badge. Riders will then have to re-upload data to be considered verified.
Uber announced a few other driver safety features. The first is "Record My Ride," which lets drivers use their phone's front-facing camera to record video and audio during trips. Second, drivers can enable PIN verification to ensure they are picking up the right person. If enabled, riders will receive a pin on their app, which they will have to share with the driver during pickup.
Get Our Best Stories!
Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Sign up for other newsletters
Read the latest from Jibin Joseph
- Gmail Swaps Boring Smart Replies With 'Contextual' AI Suggestions
- FCC Hits Consultant Behind Biden Robocalls With $6 Million Fine
- Don't Do It: Google Maps to Label Business Pages That Post Fake Reviews
- Disney+ Begins Password-Sharing Crackdown: Here's How It Works
- One-Click Subscription Cancellations Coming to California in 2025
- More from Jibin Joseph
