Starting this week, the taxi company Uber enabled its users in Croatia to use a new security option – audio recording. A new tool within the mobile application designed to provide an additional sense of security and provide additional support to passengers while driving. The main purpose of the option is to allow passengers to share the recorded audio with the company in case of a potential security incident.
Privacy and security
During the development of this function, special emphasis was placed on high standards of privacy protection, according to Uber. The use of the option is not automatic, but must be activated in advance, and the recording is started only by pressing the button while driving. All audio recordings are encrypted and stored securely on the user’s device, which cannot be directly accessed, edited or shared outside of the app itself.
Uber can access the created recordings only if the user voluntarily submits them as part of an official security incident report. All those audio recordings that are not submitted through the mentioned application are automatically deleted from the device after 14 days. Users can activate the option before the start or during the drive directly in the application. If the user decides to activate before the ride starts, the driver will receive a notification that the ride can be recorded. In this case, the driver has the option of canceling that ride without any negative consequences.
A range of security tools
“Safety is one of Uber’s highest priorities and we are continuously developing technological solutions that provide users with greater safety and support while driving. Whether they are returning home after hanging out with friends, leaving work late at night or traveling alone, the ‘Audio recording’ option provides an additional sense of security directly within the Uber application. At the same time, the option was developed with high standards of privacy protection, gives users more control and can help with security investigations in the event of an incident being reported,” said Uber.
Audio recording is the latest addition to Uber’s already existing suite of security tools on the Croatian market. This system previously includes functions such as RideCheck, PIN confirmation of the ride, the ability to share the status of the ride with loved ones, and an integrated emergency button within the app itself.