Uber has announced a reaffirmation of its commitment to safety through enhanced technology, expanded driver screening, new emergency tools, and strengthened privacy protections.
According to Uber, maintaining user safety is paramount by designing new standards and deploying advanced technologies intended to reduce incidents and build trust within its platform. This underscores the company's broader ethos of enabling people to "move freely" and stay "connected to people and places" while upholding rigorous safety protocols. The statement frames safety as not merely a feature but a fundamental principle driving Uber’s ongoing innovations.
Uber states that all drivers are subject to a multi-step safety screening process, which includes checks for impaired driving and violent offenses before they can undertake their first trip. Furthermore, the company reruns these background checks at least annually—with some cities requiring more frequent checks—and employs technology to monitor and flag potential issues in between screenings. This layered approach is designed to ensure continual compliance with safety standards and verify that only qualified individuals access the platform over time.
The RideCheck system uses GPS and smartphone sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect anomalies like unusually long stops or possible crashes. It then prompts both rider and driver with notifications asking if everything is OK and offers access to the emergency button or Safety Line. Additionally, Uber’s in-app Emergency Button, integrated into its Safety Toolkit, displays live location and trip details. In many U.S. cities, it shares this information directly with 911 dispatchers via RapidSOS to accelerate emergency response. These tools exemplify Uber’s proactive use of technology to both detect safety concerns and facilitate rapid assistance.
Founded in 2009, Uber is a global mobility platform offering services such as ride-hailing, food delivery, and freight across dozens of countries. The company leverages mobile technology to connect riders, drivers, and delivery partners while continuously evolving its services and safety protocols in response to user needs and regulatory environments.