Audio Recording
We understand that everyone has the right to ride and drive with confidence. That's why our focus is on developing technologies and finding ways to make our rides safer.
Safety is our priority
If you feel uncomfortable during your ride, you can now record the audio of the trip within the app itself.
Just click the security feature shield to access the audio recording option. The trip will be recorded in the app and you can choose to share it with Uber after the ride has ended.
Your privacy is protected
The other party in the vehicle will not be notified. All audio is encrypted and stays on your device. Neither drivers nor riders can listen to the recording.
Help Uber investigate
We take safety reports seriously. If you file one, our dedicated safety team will review the recording you attach.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the audio recording feature in the Uber app?
Audio recording is a new capability through the app designed to encourage safe, comfortable interactions on trips. Recordings can only be activated by the user and are securely stored on the device. They cannot be listened to, and can only be attached to a safety report sent through Uber’s app. Unless this happens, Uber cannot access any of the contents.
- Where can I find audio recording in the Uber app?
It is available through the Safety Toolkit, which can be found by tapping the shield icon on the map when taking a trip.
We are currently upgrading the audio recording feature for riders. It will be available again in the coming weeks
- How can I use audio recording?
In select cities where the feature is available, riders and drivers can initiate a recording through their own smartphone. The other party in the vehicle will not be notified, though notice has been given to all riders and drivers that this capability is available.
- Who can use the audio recording?
Both riders and drivers can independently choose to record through their device. Uber can only listen to a recording if it is attached to a safety report. Uber may provide the shared recording to a competent authority, such as law enforcement, if legally required.
- Can the driver / rider listen to the recording later?
No, to maintain the privacy of parties in the vehicle, the recorded content is encrypted and neither riders nor drivers can listen to it.
- What if I don’t want to be recorded?
In select cities where this is available, riders and drivers are generally permitted to record a conversation they are a part of for their own safety. We strive to make the platform safer for everyone, and respect the legal rights of all people in those cities.
We take your privacy very seriously and limit any review of an audio recording to a dedicated safety team at Uber. If we receive a recording that does not have any pertinence to a safety incident, we will delete it.
- Does Uber still have access to it if I don’t send it?
No, if you don’t submit a safety report with the recording attached, Uber has no access to the recording.
- Is it still recording when I’m on a call with someone else?
No, the phone will take over the microphone and recording will automatically stop. You will have to start it again on your own after the call. The same applies for other apps that use the microphone, like WhatsApp.
- Is Uber listening as the recording is happening?
No, the recording stays on your device where nobody can listen to it. Only if you choose to share it with Uber after the fact can we review it for a potential safety incident.
- Will the driver / rider know if I’m recording?
No, other parties in the vehicle will not be notified. This privacy works both ways, in case the other person chooses to start a recording.
- How much storage does it cost?
This will vary based on the device, but in general 5-7 minutes of recording takes 1mb of space on your device (about the same as one WhatsApp image).
- How much data does it cost to share with Uber?
If you do need to submit a safety report with a recording attached, we encourage you to be connected to Wifi first. Otherwise, your normal data rates will apply.
- How do I share the recording?
Share at the moment: pop up window will appear at the end of the trip, you can share with Uber on the spot.
Share later: Go to Trip History, find recording under trip details and share with Uber.
Please note, you can only share audio with Uber after a trip ends.
- What will happen after I share the recording with Uber?
A member of Uber’s safety team will review the report and listen to the contents. Depending on the review, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with our policies.
- I accidentally deleted a recording. Is there any way to recover it?
No, the content is only stored on the device. If you delete it, Uber has no way to recover it.
- When does recording start?
Recording only starts when you decide to start it through the Safety Toolkit.
- When does recording stop?
You can stop the recording at anytime through the Safety Toolkit.
- What if I forget to stop the recording?
For riders, recording will automatically stop shortly after the trip ends. For drivers, recording will stop when you go offline.
- Is it still recording when I’m not on / quit the Uber app?
If you switch to different apps or lock your phone during a trip, the recording is still in progress. If you quit the Uber app the recording will stop.
- Where is the audio recording file stored?
The audio recording is encrypted and stored in the app storage of the Uber app, and is not accessible from the file system. You are able to delete a recording from your device at any time by accessing your Trip History.
- Who can listen to the recording?
Only Uber’s safety team has access to listen to the recording, and only if it is attached to a safety report submitted by a rider or driver. Uber may provide the shared recording to a competent authority, such as law enforcement, if necessary.
About
About