Uber Rolls Out Audio Recording Safety Feature in Kenya Following Nigeria Launch

Uber has recently introduced its Audio Recording Safety feature in Kenya, just two weeks after its launch at an event in Nigeria. The ride-hailing service announced early this month that Audio Recording was coming to Kenya “for added safety” allowing users to record audio while on a trip. This move comes as part of Uber’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures for both riders and drivers.

The Audio Recording feature allows users to record audio during a trip, providing an added layer of security. Both riders and drivers can access this feature and share the recorded trip audio with Uber’s support team in the event of a safety incident. The company assures users that the trip recordings will be encrypted and stored on their respective devices, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. The recorded audio cannot be played back on the device itself, and access is only granted to Uber’s Support team if the user chooses to share it while reporting a safety issue.

Enabling the audio recording feature is a straightforward process. Users can set it up by tapping the shield icon displayed on the map. Once activated, riders will receive a notification indicating that audio may be recorded during their trip. During the ride, users can easily access the safety toolkit and use the start or stop buttons near “Record Audio” to initiate or cease the recording.

This initiative from Uber is undoubtedly commendable and addresses a pressing need. There have been troubling stories of incidents during rides, and this feature could provide recourse in dire situations. However, there is a valid concern about potential risks to riders if an Uber driver becomes aware of the audio recording and reacts in a dangerous way. It’s essential for Uber to address these scenarios and ensure the safety and protection of both riders and drivers in such situations.

In addition to the Audio Recording feature, Uber has also introduced an Emergency Button feature in the app. Partnering with Sety, a startup specialising in on-demand safety technology and emergency response data platforms, Uber aims to provide immediate assistance in critical situations.

Finding and using the Uber Emergency Button is quick and simple. Users can click on the blue safety shield and then tap “Emergency Assistance” denoted by a red alarm icon. Activating this feature instantly connects the user to emergency services, providing vital information such as the GPS location, vehicle make and model, and license plate. This enables swift response and appropriate action in emergencies.