Bucharest, July 1st. Uber, the world’s largest ridesharing platform, has launched the audio recording feature in Romania — a tool designed to improve the safety and comfort of passengers using the app. Already available in markets across Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, North America, and South America, this feature supports Uber’s ongoing commitment to passenger safety and protection. The launch in Romania, Poland, and Portugal marks an important step for the company within the European Union.
What is the audio recording feature?
The feature allows passengers to record audio during rides, directly from the Uber app, helping to encourage respectful behavior and provide relevant context in case a safety incident is reported.
This tool was designed to offer users control and privacy:
● User-activated: The audio recording feature is only enabled if the passenger chooses to turn it on before or during the ride. It is not enabled by default.
● Full encryption: All recordings are securely stored and encrypted on the user’s device. They cannot be accessed, listened to, or reviewed by the passenger or driver.
● Available for investigations only: Recordings can only be voluntarily shared by the passenger as part of a reported safety incident. Only Uber’s specialized team can decrypt and analyze the content — and only when a complaint is filed.
● Transparency for both parties: Before the ride begins, the driver is notified in the app if the passenger has activated the feature, ensuring an experience based on mutual respect and transparency.
Protecting women and vulnerable passengers
Uber is taking significant steps to enhance safety on every ride, paying special attention to the well-being of women and vulnerable passengers. A key element of this commitment is the audio recording feature. More than just a recording tool, it gives passengers the option to document their journey and feel safer — especially during nighttime rides or when traveling alone.
In unpleasant situations, recordings provide neutral and objective evidence, essential for analyzing inappropriate behavior. Uber emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with local organizations and safety experts to implement this feature responsibly, promoting accountability and respect across the platform.
A safety-oriented approach to ridesharing
“At Uber, safety is at the heart of everything we do. The audio recording feature is a proactive step toward creating a safer environment for all users,” said Ana-Maria Borlovan, General Manager of Uber Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic. “By introducing such tools, we aim to build trust and provide a sense of safety in every ride, especially for women and those who may feel vulnerable during their journeys.”
Uber remains committed to continuous innovation in passenger safety, and the audio recording feature joins an extended suite of tools such as the in-app Emergency Button, RideCheck, real-time GPS tracking, and anonymous communication between passenger and driver.
