In an effort to enhance passenger and driver security, Uber has announced the launch of a new safety feature in Portugal that will allow the ambient sound inside vehicles to be recorded during trips. This feature, which has already been implemented in select markets like the United States, Brazil, and Mexico, is now making its European debut. Uber audio recording safety feature

By enabling audio recordings, Uber aims to offer both riders and drivers an additional layer of protection, especially in situations where verbal altercations or inappropriate behavior might occur but leave no physical evidence. 

A First for Europe

The introduction of this tool reflects Uber’s ongoing investment in rider safety, adding to a growing portfolio of in-app security features such as real-time ride tracking, emergency assistance buttons, trip verification via PIN codes, and driver background checks. As Uber continues to evolve its platform, the company is placing increased emphasis on integrating technology that can prevent incidents, help resolve disputes fairly, and ensure users feel more secure from pickup to drop-off.

Starting June 17, 2025, both passengers and drivers in Portugal will be able to use this optional tool to record audio throughout their trip, with full control over when the recording begins and ends. Importantly, Uber emphasizes that privacy remains a priority—recordings are encrypted, stored locally, and never accessible to users themselves, unless submitted directly to Uber in a formal report.

This move is not just a milestone for Uber in Europe; it’s also a potential sign of what’s to come for ride-sharing platforms globally. By offering discreet but secure documentation of rides, Uber is responding to years of safety concerns while also testing the boundaries of privacy and accountability in the gig economy.

Available starting June 17, 2025, the feature positions Portugal as the first European country to adopt in-app ride audio recording. Uber introduced the functionality to “boost user confidence” and add another layer to its more than 20 existing safety features, which include real-time location sharing, identity verification, and an emergency button.

How It Works

• Optional Activation: Users and drivers can start recording at any point—either before pickup or during the ride—via the Uber app’s security toolkit.
• Automatic Stop: The system ends the recording when the ride completes or if the user manually stops it.
• Encryption & Privacy: Recordings are locally encrypted on the device; neither passengers nor drivers can access them outside the Uber ecosystem.
• Automatic Deletion: Audio files are automatically erased after seven days unless explicitly shared with Uber.

When Uber Can Access Recordings

Uber cannot access any recordings unless the user attaches them to a safety report. Once submitted, a specialized in-country team, including 150 former law enforcement professionals, reviews the content immediately and follows up as necessary.

Why This Matters

• Enhanced protection: Facilitating objective evidence in disputes or safety incidents.
• Privacy balance: While recordings are secure, the decision to share lies solely with the user.
• Setting standards: Portugal leads the way in Europe, as Uber evaluates that quieter audio evidence can support better safety outcomes.

This new capability complements Uber’s existing safety infrastructure. It empowers both parties in a ride to record surroundings discreetly and retain control over privacy while helping Uber investigate issues when needed. Uber audio recording safety feature