Uber introduced new security options in Egypt following public outcry over a collection of high-profile incidents between March and July which have put the ride-hailing app’s security into query.
In line with a Tuesday press launch, the brand new measures embrace an SOS emergency button, randomized drug testing on drivers, and extra superior applied sciences to establish fraudulent paperwork.
Uber’s fame as a protected and safe service in Egypt was referred to as into doubt in March after Habiba El-Shamaa, 24, handed away from accidents sustained whereas making an attempt to flee an alleged kidnap try by an Uber driver.
The driving force, who examined constructive for medication throughout the investigation, continued working for Uber through the use of a faux nationwide ID quantity regardless of having his account beforehand shut down because of consumer complaints.
El-Shamaa was one sufferer in a collection of 5 Uber-related incidents, together with a case the place a girl was assaulted with a field cutter by an Uber driver.
Uber’s Newest Options
The discharge mentions 4 new options and insurance policies, which embrace an SOS emergency button that permits riders and drivers to ship a security notification to the authorities and Uber’s Egypt crew.
The ride-hailing big additionally launched a extra superior cellphone masking function, as drivers used to bypass in-app calling, which blocks entry to cellphone numbers of each the driving force and rider, by sending their cellphone numbers by way of the chat. The corporate’s new function blocks any cellphone numbers despatched utilizing this methodology and warns customers of the privateness threat of sharing their cellphone numbers.
Riders can even choose three security options to routinely activate at completely different occasions and areas.
Within the aftermath of El-Shamaa’s dying, the federal government’s Communications and Data Expertise Committee held hearings investigating Uber’s security measures on 20 Could. The Committee suggested Uber to implement an audio recording function, such that riders can share audio to Uber’s crew if experiencing inappropriate or harmful habits. Uber has adopted this suggestion since then, as famous of their latest press launch.
Throughout these hearings, Ahmed Aly, Head of Public Coverage and Authorities Relations for Uber MENA, requested entry to authorities felony information on 20 Could, versus counting on drivers to offer probably fraudulent felony report certificates.
The corporate has additionally initiated randomized month-to-month drug assessments for persevering with drivers in addition to new verification expertise and specialised brokers to catch fraudulent paperwork.
Habiba El-Shamaa’s Case
The string of Uber driver assaults on girls sparked widespread discourse on girls’s security in Egypt, and considerations relating to Uber’s screening course of. Following El-Shamaa’s dying, #stopusinguber went viral on X, previously referred to as Twitter.
El-Shamaa’s driver was sentenced to 5 years in jail and given an EGP 10,000 (USD 207) fantastic, diminished from 15 years, and an EGP 50,000 (USD 1,030) fantastic, on 22 August. He was cleared of the kidnapping cost by Cairo’s Legal Court docket.
Aly said that Uber “was on the bottom from the second [El-Shamaa’s] incident occurred, offering help to her household and protecting therapy prices.” Nonetheless, he argued that cooperation from the federal government was wanted to make sure extra sturdy security measures.
Carine Arif, Head of Communications at Uber Center East and North Africa (MENA), emphasised the pre-existing background checks Uber has in place, together with verification of felony information certificates, drug assessments for brand spanking new drivers, automobile worthiness stories and obligatory security training programs which educate drivers on sexual harassment.
“Driver screening and onboarding are additionally crucial facets for Uber. Nonetheless, some drivers strive to enroll in the app utilizing fraudulent paperwork and superior fraud methods together with AI after being deactivated by Uber. This is a matter throughout all the ride-hailing trade and whereas we are going to proceed to do all the things in our energy to remain forward of fraudulent habits, that is past Uber and requires collective efforts between policymakers, trade gamers, and material specialists,” she said.
