Uber to launch audio recording app in three U.S. cities for 'safe, comfortable interactions'

Almost two years after Uber launched its audio recording app in Latin America, three U.S. cities will pilot the feature later this month.

Uber drivers or passengers will be able to record interactions they deem unsafe by using the Uber app.

“Throughout Latin America, this feature has been a popular way to promote safe, comfortable interactions while on a trip,” Sachin Kansal, vice president of product management for Uber, told Business Insider. “For instance, nearly 70% of riders and drivers surveyed in Rio de Janeiro told us this feature helped them feel safer when using Uber.”

This pilot program is being launched in Kansas City, Missouri, Louisville, Kentucky, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, according to Car and Driver.

The recorded audio files will be encrypted so that only Uber support teams can share the recording with law enforcement if it is deemed necessary. Neither the rider nor the driver can access the recording. Uber support teams can only decrypt and review it if the user submits a safety report to Uber.