Uber’s new safety features: Front facing cameras and freezing fake rider accounts

Uber's new rules: Fewer left turns and fake users.
uber app logo on phone screen with computer in background


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best decisions in travel. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money .

Freezing fake accounts, front-facing video recording, and fewer left turns. These are all new safety features that Uber is implementing after receiving feedback from drivers. 

It turns out Uber drivers have been having a difficult time dealing with riders using fake names. The ride-sharing app was allowing riders to change their names but it resulted in some riders choosing offensive names or using cartoon character names. Drivers expressed that this has made pickups challenging and uncomfortable. Now, Uber will be auditing rider names and freezing any accounts with blatantly fake or offensive names. 

Uber also plans to expand the audio and front-facing video recording features it has been piloting in a few US cities. The recordings will not be available to riders or drivers unless the driver wants to report a certain part of the recording to Uber for safety-related reasons. 

Uber’s in-app navigation system is also getting a safety update. The app will now suggest fewer left turns to drivers, which account for 22% of crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Personally, I’m all for whatever makes getting from point A to point B quicker and safer, even if it means I’m not allowed to use Ariana Venti as my name on the app anymore.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more with the Smart Points Newsletter.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is the cornerstone of the DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, daily news, hospitality, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every morning, over 2 Million travelers trust DFC to deliver the latest news and information so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!