Hajra Naz
Uber has quietly started testing in-app video recording for drivers in India. The new tool aims to deter misconduct in a market where most drivers still do not use dashcams. Uber says the feature is designed to increase ride safety, driver protection, and overall digital security.
Several Uber drivers in the Delhi–NCR region told that they often face misconduct from riders. Some said passengers even threaten them with false behavior complaints. These claims can lead to penalties or full account suspensions, which many drivers fear.
One driver shared a common issue. He said some female passengers traveling late at night insist on following their own route instead of the map. If the driver refuses, they threaten to file false complaints. He requested anonymity because he was afraid of losing his account.
Drivers believe the in-app video recording feature can help them in such cases. It gives them evidence when disputes happen. However, some drivers still doubt whether Uber will support them over riders. They worry because passengers pay for the trip and can easily switch to other mobility apps if they are unhappy.
The pilot began rolling out in phases in May. It is now live in 10 major Indian cities. These include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow.
Riders get an in-trip notification when video recording is active.
Uber says security is a key part of the feature. “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. The company also said that recordings are deleted automatically after a week if no one shares them.
The video tool builds on Uber’s existing in-app audio recording feature. That tool launched in India in 2023. Video recording was first tested in the U.S. in 2022. It is already available in Canada and Brazil. The new pilot is part of Uber’s push into AI safety tools and mobility tech innovation in emerging markets.
As this pilot grows, Uber will need to balance safety improvements with concerns about privacy and surveillance. India is one of the company’s most important markets. It is still unclear when the feature will launch nationwide. The success of the pilot in the coming months will likely decide whether Uber extends it to the rest of India or even other global regions.
