Uber rolls out blue checkmark system for rider verification in 12 cities

“We know they have this technology,” he said. “All they have to do is flip the switch and have passengers do that as well, and that would be the greatest deterrent to people wanting to use the app to commit crimes. It would probably make them think twice before trying to target an innocent person trying to make a living.”

The selfies aren’t shared with passengers and in turn wouldn’t be shared with drivers, Sanchez said.

Uber has introduced several safety features in the past, including the ability to record an audio file during a ride in the event of a conflict. In 2021, the app rolled out a nationwide verification program for riders using anonymous forms of payment such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards or Venmo.

Uber uses “trusted third-party databases,” Childs said, to verify accounts automatically by checking details on the account such as names and phone numbers.

Those who aren’t verified can still order an Uber, Child said.

“The driver will be able to know that a person is verified or not when they decide whether to accept the ride,” Childs said. “It’s a good thing because drivers want the confidence that they’re going to be safe when accepting rides.”

In a statement, Justice for App Workers Midwest coalition said Uber needed a “much more stringent system,” where riders aren’t allowed to use the app until they’re verified. The group is also calling for deactivation protections and union rights, so drivers can report safety incidents without fear of retaliation and removal from the apps.

“App companies like Uber and Lyft need to sit down with drivers and ask us what we need to be safe on the road, because at the end of the day, we know what we need more than the executives in boardrooms,” the statement said.

Childs said the plan is to monitor the rollout of the rider verification pilot in the initial 12 cities to fix any bugs and get feedback then ultimately launch nationwide. Other cities piloting the new safety feature beginning Thursday include Detroit and St. Louis.