Uber has introduced several new safety features, including an audio recording option and a "Women Rider Preference" (WRP) feature, aimed at improving security, especially during late-night rides.

The newly launched audio recording feature allows riders to record conversations during trips if they feel uneasy or have safety concerns. These recordings are encrypted for security and can only be accessed in the event of a safety report. In compliance with India’s one-party consent law, the feature is available nationwide for both riders and drivers. In a first for the industry, the recordings are automatically deleted after a specified period.

In another groundbreaking move, Uber’s WRP feature enables female drivers to accept rides exclusively from female passengers, enhancing safety during late-night trips. While the company has not disclosed the total number of women drivers, the feature is already live in all Indian cities and has been used in over 21,000 trips. Uber claims the WRP feature helps female drivers focus on their safety, work longer hours, and increase their earnings.

To further support gender safety, Uber has partnered with Durga, a Bengaluru-based NGO dedicated to advancing gender equity. The partnership will provide virtual training for drivers, helping them better understand and address the safety concerns of women riders.

Uber's new safety settings allow riders to personalize their experience by enabling features like automatic trip sharing with trusted contacts, audio recording, and receiving Ride Check alerts. These settings can be customized for specific times or locations, making trips safer and more tailored to individual needs.

Sooraj Nair, Head of Uber India and South Asia's Safety Operations, announced that the new SOS feature, which allows riders to connect directly with the Maharashtra Police control room and share trip details, is currently being piloted in Maharashtra. The SOS option will soon expand to other cities.