Uber will now require some new users to provide identifying information such as driver’s license or passport details to use the company’s ride-hail and food delivery services. The move is part of the company’s effort to reduce carjackings, robberies, and other crimes against its drivers.
A group of ride-share workers, the Independent Drivers Guild of Illinois first reported on the new requirements.
Uber’s new guidelines will affect anyone who wants to pay for services with alternate payment methods like gift cards and mobile payment applications.
“We believe this new feature will help hold riders using anonymous forms of payment accountable,” a company spokesperson said. “We continue to pioneer new technologies to improve safety on Uber and give drivers peace of mind as they serve their communities.”
According to a screenshot provided by Uber, the app will ask affected users to submit information from a state ID, driver’s license, passport, or a credit card before they can ride (see below).
The uploaded ID “undergoes a series of validity checks,” according to Uber. The company said it will not share the personal information with its drivers.
“We’re very happy to see something finally done,” the guild’s Lenny Sanchez said.
Uber’s new requirements may help reduce some of the rising crime its drivers have been experiencing as criminals lure them into traps via the app. But loopholes remain, including unauthorized use of phones with existing accounts.
