Uber introduces on-device video recording for rides in India
Uber has launched a new on-device video recording feature in India as part of its ongoing effort to enhance safety and trust between riders and drivers. The feature aims to provide an additional layer of transparency during trips, addressing growing concerns within the community.
Closing the trust gap
Uber was designed to make travel more convenient—a way to request a private ride without standing roadside to hail a taxi. However, stepping into a car with a stranger has always carried some level of unease. This concern extends to drivers as well, who often handle late-night rides, unpredictable passengers, and the challenge of maintaining high ratings.
To bridge this trust gap, the company has introduced several safety tools across various markets, including:
- Real-time ride tracking in the United States.
- Audio recording in parts of Latin America.
- PIN verification in regions such as South Africa.
India as a testing ground
Now, Uber is testing a more direct approach in India: an in-app, on-device video recording feature. This tool allows video to be recorded and stored securely on the driver’s phone, offering both parties an added sense of accountability.
“Drivers in cities like Delhi–NCR have raised concerns about false allegations from riders—ranging from disputes over routes to claims of unprofessional behaviour—which can lead to financial penalties or even account suspensions.”
Unlike many Western markets, most Indian drivers do not use dashcams, making this feature a significant step toward addressing safety and dispute issues in one of Uber’s largest and fastest-growing markets.
Author’s summary
Uber’s new on-device video recording feature in India aims to boost trust, safety, and fairness across rides, offering transparency in a region where most drivers lack dashcam technology.