Uber already offers a myriad of privacy and security features in its app for the benefit of both riders and drivers alike. But, at an event in New Delhi today, the ride-hailing giant announced three new privacy features that are being rolled out in India. These include a RideCheck feature to pursue trip irregularities, PIN verification, and audio recording. Let’s take a quick look at each of these features:
RideCheck
The company made a Safety Toolkit available within its app back in August in India but is expanding on it with a new ‘RideCheck’ feature. Uber will now proactively keep an eye on your rides (using the driver’s smartphone) to see whether it’s going as planned or not. If not, such as in event of an unexpected stop or route changes, the new RideCheck feature will activate. Image Courtesy: Twitter/Uber_India
Ola Cabs has long offered its riders a PIN verification feature to verify that you’re in the correct vehicle. It’s only when you provide the 4-digit PIN displayed in your app to the driver that the ride begins. Uber launched this feature in the US back in September and is now finally rolling it out in India, starting today.
We’re launching a new safety feature in the 🇺🇸 & 🇨🇦 to help you get in the right ride. Here’s how it works:
🔘The rider receives a unique 4 digit PIN for their ride in the app🔘Rider shares PIN with driver🔘The trip only begins in the app once the driver enters the right PIN pic.twitter.com/wvR6dkQKCQ
In addition, Uber is testing an audio recording feature that will enable both riders and drivers to record their entire trips if they feel uncomfortable with the ride. The recordings can then be shared with the ride-hailing giant for review.
