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Uber quietly pilots in-app video recording for drivers in India
TechCrunchยท 2025-11-13 19:11
Core Insights - Uber has initiated a pilot program for in-app video recording for drivers in India to deter misconduct, particularly in a market where dashcam usage is low [1][4] - The feature aims to provide drivers with evidence in disputes with riders, addressing concerns about false complaints that can lead to penalties or account suspensions [2][3] - The pilot is currently active in 10 cities across India, including major urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru [4] Implementation Details - The video recording feature began rolling out in phases in May and is now live in cities such as Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow [4] - Riders are notified when video recording is active during their trip [4] - All recordings are double-encrypted, stored on the device, and can only be accessed by users if they choose to share them as part of a safety report; recordings are deleted after a week if not shared [8] Historical Context - This video tool builds on Uber's previous in-app audio recording feature launched in India in 2023, and video recording was first tested in the U.S. in 2022 [10] - The feature is already available in Canada and Brazil, indicating a broader strategy for enhancing driver safety [10] Future Considerations - As the pilot expands, Uber must navigate the balance between resolving disputes and addressing privacy and surveillance concerns in a significant market [11] - The performance of the pilot in the coming months will influence decisions on wider rollout across India or to other regions [11]