Uber Cracking Down On Rider Verification

Uber announced plans Monday to strengthen passenger verification, among other steps to protect drivers on the app.

“We want every driver and courier to know that we are listening to their needs and taking action,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a news release that was shared on X, formerly Twitter, by DC News Now’s Ben Dennis.

“We are improving the driver experience to help keep them safe on the road and give them a louder voice in deactivation decisions. From trip recording, more transparent deactivations, and expanded rider verification — we’re with them every mile of the way.”

Starting in 2024, the company will expand its verification of rider identities to confirm account details against trusted data sources or an identification document, according to the news release. Uber is also making efforts to strengthen the verification process for passengers who use anonymous payment methods, which are often linked to fraud or other "malicious actions," the news release said.

Uber’s announcement comes after three boys, ages 12-15, assaulted a ride-hail driver and carjacked the vehicle over the weekend in D.C., according to FOX 5, which noted that last month a D.C. Uber driver was attacked by a teen who stole her vehicle because she refused to transport his dog.

Uber also in the news release announced plans to: allow deactivated drivers to request additional review and share information like recordings, put new systems in place to detect false allegations and unfair ratings, and pay for drug testing if a driver is accused of being under the influence.