Uber rolls out new safety tools, mulls placing cameras in cars

dubai — Uber is set to launch a slew of new safety features on its app soon, and it is also mulling the idea of installing cameras in cars, like those in Dubai taxis, the global head of safety product for the ride-sharing company said on Wednesday.

“With more than 15 million trips logged on the Uber app every day globally, there is nothing more important than the safety of riders, drivers, and couriers. Over the last year, we’ve been working to develop innovative products that increase transparency, accountability, and peace of mind for all users,” said Sachin Kansal, Uber’s global head of safety product.

When asked whether the company is considering installing cameras inside the cars, like what the Roads and Transport Authority has implemented in Dubai taxis, he told Khaleej Times: “We have no active plans right now but we constantly look at new things we can do to keep our users safe; and we are open to exploring CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras as well.”

Among the safety tools that Uber will be introducing in the next few weeks are: a shortcut to dial emergency numbers like 999; a feature that allows riders to share their trip info with their trusted contacts in just one tap; an information hub where users can know more about existing safety features; speed limit alerts; and caller anonymisation that lets riders and drivers call each other while maintaining their privacy. Kansal said none of these added features would have an impact on riders.