Uber introduces journey audio recording and verified passenger badges across UK
- Perry Richardson
- May 29
- 2 min read
Uber has rolled out two new safety features across the UK, allowing passengers to audio record journeys through the app and introducing verified passenger badges designed to give drivers greater confidence when accepting bookings.
The new tools became available from 28 May and form part of Uber’s ongoing efforts to improve safety standards for both riders and drivers using its platform.
Passengers can now choose to record audio before or during a trip using the Uber app. Any recordings made are encrypted and stored on the passenger’s device, meaning Uber cannot access them unless the user chooses to upload the recording as part of a safety report.
Recordings that are not submitted as evidence are automatically deleted after 14 days. Drivers are notified when a passenger activates the feature and can cancel the trip without penalty if they do not wish to be recorded.
New safety measures give passengers the option to record trips while helping drivers identify verified riders before accepting bookings
Andrew Brem, Uber UK General Manager, said: “We are always investing in new ways to make journeys even safer. These new safety features provide both riders and drivers with extra peace of mind.”
Alongside the recording feature, Uber has also begun introducing verified passenger badges. The badges will appear on rider profiles once they have completed identity verification checks or uploaded official documentation through the app.
Drivers will begin seeing the badges on trip requests from next week, allowing them to identify verified passengers before deciding whether to accept a booking.
The move has been welcomed by government ministers and industry stakeholders.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe when travelling, whether a passenger or a driver. I welcome Uber’s steps to strengthen safety on its platform and show how technology can make journeys safer.”
The introduction of passenger verification has also received support from drivers. Kola Olalekan, an Uber driver and GMB union branch secretary, said: “This is something GMB has been requesting for a while. Seeing a verification badge will give me extra confidence and make me more likely to accept bookings.”
Safety charity representatives also backed the changes. Lucy Duckworth from The Survivors Trust said the features support a safety-first culture and help build confidence among both passengers and drivers.
