Uber releases trip recording in the app for drivers across Brazil

2024-04-16 19:53:41

The resource of video recording directly through the app for drivers Uber — available, in principle, only in some cities in the Brazil — is being expanded nationally starting today, according to company information.

The platform, it is worth noting, already allowed registration for the driver to record the use of their own camera in the vehicle — however, understanding that traditional cameras can require a complex configuration and have a high cost, the company began to explore the possibility recording using the Uber app, which uses the front camera of the driver’s smartphone.

According to the service, recording is optional and, once enabled, drivers will be able to record videos and audio of all trips — from approaching the boarding point until 20 seconds after the trip ends.

In terms of privacy, the company also highlights that, as with the U-Audio feature, the recording is encrypted on the cell phone — without anyone being able to access it directly. The user, in turn, is informed that their trip will be recorded before boarding, and they can cancel it and request another car, if they prefer.

Uber is dedicated to improving our safety tools within the platform, and recording features provide important support. This is a relevant instrument to encourage everyone to behave in the best possible way, knowing that they are being recorded, in addition to providing concrete evidence of what really happened in an incident.

—Mariana Estevesproduct manager at Uber’s Technology Development Center.

The only way for Uber to access the content of the recordings is by reporting an incident. If the driver-partner opens a complaint, he will have the option to add the file with the video in question. Only then will Uber — which has the encryption key — be able to access the records, as well as competent authorities.

The company also explains that the recording remains available on the partner’s device for a period of seven days after the trip, being automatically deleted after this period if no complaint is made.