Uber Tightens Driver Background Checks After Assault Reports

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Uber is implementing stricter background check policies for its drivers after a New York Times investigation exposed gaps in its screening that allowed people with violent criminal histories to work for the ride-share app. The company plans to permanently ban drivers with convictions for violent felonies, sexual offenses, and child or elder abuse, regardless of when the crimes occurred. Uber is also weighing tougher rules around other serious offenses like harassment and weapons charges.

Why it matters

This policy change comes after Uber faced mounting pressure and lawsuits over reports of sexual assault and misconduct by its drivers. The company has acknowledged that no single safety feature can fully prevent such unpredictable incidents, but hopes these background check improvements will help protect passenger safety.

The details

Uber's previous policy allowed drivers with convictions for murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and terrorism, but barred those with other serious crimes like child abuse, assault, and stalking if the offenses happened at least seven years prior. Internal documents showed Uber received reports of sexual assault or misconduct every eight minutes from 2017-2022, far exceeding the number of cases it had disclosed.

• In December 2022, a New York Times investigation exposed gaps in Uber's driver screening policies.
• From 2017 to 2022, Uber received reports of sexual assault or misconduct every eight minutes, totaling over 400,000 trips.

What’s next

Uber has not provided details on when and how these new background check policies will be implemented.