Uber has begun quietly testing an in-app video recording feature for drivers in India, aiming to reduce rider misconduct and strengthen safety protections in a market where most drivers do not have dashcams. The pilot, first reported by TechCrunch and confirmed by the company, marks a significant expansion of Uber’s safety tools.
Several drivers in the Delhi–NCR region told TechCrunch they frequently encounter difficult situations with riders, including verbal harassment, demands to deviate from mapped routes, and threats of filing false complaints. Such allegations can lead to penalties or even temporary suspension from the platform.
One driver, who requested anonymity for fear of losing access to the app, said these issues occur often, noting that even late-night riders can become confrontational. “If we refuse their preferred route, they sometimes threaten to file false complaints,” he said.
Drivers believe the new video recording option could serve as crucial evidence in disputes. Still, some expressed concerns about whether Uber would consistently support them in cases involving paying passengers, who could easily switch to rival platforms if dissatisfied.
The video tool has been rolled out gradually since May and is now active in 10 major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow. Riders are notified during the trip whenever video recording is enabled.
Uber says the feature is built with privacy in mind. “All recordings are double-encrypted, stored on the device, and cannot be accessed by anyone, including Uber, unless a user chooses to share them as part of a safety report,” a spokesperson said. If not shared, the recordings are automatically deleted after seven days.
The new feature expands on Uber’s in-app audio recording tool, introduced in India in 2023. Video recording was first tested in the U.S. in 2022 and has since been deployed in Canada and Brazil.
As the pilot grows, Uber faces the challenge of balancing improved safety with heightened concerns about surveillance and data privacy. It remains unclear when or whether the company plans to roll out the feature nationwide. The performance and feedback generated in the coming months will likely determine whether the tool expands across India or into additional markets.
