Uber's new safety feature allows riders to record audio

Uber introduced initiatives including an audio recording feature on its app and a “Women Rider Preference” (WRP) option.

In a bid to enhance rider and driver safety, Uber on Wednesday introduced a series of initiatives, including an audio recording feature on its app and a "Women Rider Preference" (WRP) option, particularly during late-night rides.

The WRP feature allows female drivers to accept rides exclusively from female passengers.

Uber said that riders can now record audio during trips if they feel "uncomfortable or concerned about their safety." "The audio recordings will be encrypted, ensuring they are inaccessible to both drivers and passengers, and will only be accessed if submitted as part of a safety report. The feature complies with India’s one-party consent law and is available nationwide for both riders and drivers," Uber said in a statement.

The audio recordings, which Uber said is an "industry first" feature, will automatically get deleted from Uber's system after a specific period.

Another industry first feature, WRP will allow female drivers to accept rides only from female riders, which will be useful during the late night hours.

Uber, however, didn't disclose the number of women drivers on its platform.

This feature is already live in all Indian cities and it has facilitated over 21,000 trips so far, the statement said.