Uber exposed a variety of brand-new security functions for its app, consisting of 911 texts, rider PIN numbers, and on-trip reporting. All of this seems like it’s created to assist keep the rider safe, however current reports recommend Uber is less thinking about securing the client than it ‘d desire you to think.

The ridesharing business laid out numerous prepared modifications for its environment, consisting of joining its primary app with UberEats so users just need to make demands from one location. The majority of the functions look all right– the collaboration with Feeding America which assists dining establishments move leftover food to banks through Uber Consumes would deserve a gold star any other day– however it’s the security includes that are most noteworthy, if just for the timing of their release.

The greatest security upgrade is 911 text messaging, which, when chosen, offers you a pre-written text with info about your Uber trip and a blank area for you to explain your emergency situation. It’s certainly something that sounds handy, offered your 911 operator is geared up to get text.

Another is the capability to report security problems in real-time to a member of Uber’s Security Team.The function is clearly not meant for emergency situation reporting– the text on the report even informs you to call 911 for instant help. However if you identify an issue with your motorist or rider that’s not an instant risk, this would, in theory, let you inform Uber on the fly.

The other security function is a PIN confirmation system, where a rider will need to supply a PIN from the app to their motorist to confirm they’re getting in the right vehicle. The trip will not begin (and the motorist will not make money) up until the right PIN has actually been gotten in.

These updates come simply as Uber is being chastised yet once again for its security failures. A Washington Post report today detailed how the business’s own security officers focused on liability over rider security. These detectives were never ever allowed to intensify criminal cases to the authorities, no matter how damning the proof, nor were they enabled to encourage victims to go to the authorities or legal representatives themselves.

Stated one previous private investigator to WaPo: “Private investigators exist initially to safeguard Uber; and after that beside safeguard the client … Our task is to keep the tone of our discussions with clients and chauffeurs so that Uber is not held responsible.” Sure, realistically, it should not be a surprise to hear that it’s the task a business’s worker to safeguard the business, however it’s still quite cold-blooded that detectives weren’t enabled to get in touch with authorities. Remember Uber is regularly struck with claims of rape, a criminal offense infamous for not being reported by victims.

So the addition of a brand-new reporting function feels a bit abundant originating from Uber today. And the functions which confirm to make certain you get in the ideal vehicle do not resolve the root concern of the issue in the WaPo post: I can do all the real-life two-factor authentication on the planet, however it’s not going to safeguard me if the motorist is among the ones Uber enabled to get away with something to cover their own butts.

Still, fingers crossed these functions assist a minimum of someone who enters difficulty in among Uber’s automobiles.

All of these functions are presently in advancement, and ideally we’ll see several of them on the app in the future.

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