Uber begins testing in-app video recording in Delhi NCR: What it means for drivers and riders

Uber

Uber has quietly started piloting a new in-app video recording feature for its drivers in India, starting with the Delhi–NCR region. According to drivers and company sources, the tool is designed to protect drivers in a market where most vehicles don’t have dashcams, and where disputes with passengers can sometimes turn tricky.

Many Uber drivers in Delhi–NCR told TechCrunch that they occasionally face misconduct from riders, ranging from harassment to threats of false complaints. These complaints can have serious consequences, including penalties or even temporary account suspensions. One driver, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that female passengers traveling late at night often insist on routes they prefer rather than what the app shows. If drivers refuse, some threaten to lodge false complaints, putting the driver at risk despite following Uber’s guidelines.

This is where the in-app video recording comes in. The feature allows drivers to record the trip directly through the Uber app, providing concrete evidence in case of disputes. However, some drivers remain cautious, wondering whether Uber will actually support them in conflicts with passengers, especially since riders have the option to switch platforms if they are unhappy.

The pilot began in May 2025 and has since expanded to ten cities across India: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow. Riders are notified in real time whenever video recording is active, ensuring transparency during trips.

Uber says that all recordings are double-encrypted, stored securely on the driver’s device, and cannot be accessed by anyone — including Uber — unless the driver chooses to share them for a safety report. Recordings that aren’t shared are automatically deleted after a week. This approach builds on Uber’s in-app audio recording feature, which was introduced in India in 2023. Video recording was first tested in the U.S. in 2022 and is already available in countries like Canada and Brazil.

While the feature promises to enhance driver safety and reduce disputes, it also raises broader questions about privacy and surveillance. Uber will need to strike a careful balance between providing security and ensuring riders feel comfortable using the platform. For now, the tool is limited to the pilot cities, and it remains unclear when or if Uber will expand it nationwide. Its performance in the coming months will likely determine whether in-app video recording becomes a permanent feature across India.

In short, Uber’s new video tool is a step toward safer rides for drivers while maintaining transparency for riders — but like any technology that records real-world interactions, it will need careful handling to protect privacy and trust on both sides.