Uber looks to be getting a little more serious about the security of its drivers and passengers. Earlier this week, the company announced that it has established a safety advisory board to deal with a variety of safety and security issues facing the company.
The board is comprised of third party members which includes the Boston Police Commissioner a former deputy executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence executive vice president. It will work to provide advice and for Uber’s internal safety and security teams on just about everything from tech security to the safety of drivers and passengers. The board will also offer suggestions on cooperating with local law enforcement agencies.
It comes as no surprise that Uber is trying to improve its safety record. The company has come under fire for cutting corners in its driver vetting system. This criticism comes after a year of dealing with cases of violence against passengers from across the world, and not to mention a security breach that exposed the information of some 50,000 Uber drivers in the US.
The ride-sharing service has also been coming under attack from taxi driver unions in various countries, and faces bans in several more. The Malaysian Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) itself is mulling a proposal to amend the Land Public Transport Act to better deal with Uber.
Whether this new safety advisory board will be enough to improve Uber’s image with authorities is doubtful, but at least it will go some way to show Uber drivers and passengers that the company is at least showing some willingness to improve.
[Source: The LA Times]
