Uber Updates Sexual Violence Transparency Policies

Uber announced several transparency updates to its sexual harassment policy, following widespread high-profile accounts of sexual harassment and assault across various industries.

The ridesharing company is eliminating the requirement for manditory arbitration in claims of sexual harassment or abuse by Uber drivers, riders, and employees. People bringing forth sexual harassment and assault claims will be able to resolve their case in a variety of ways, including confidential mediation, arbitration, or open court.

Uber is also removing a confidentiality provision that prevents a survivor from having to sign a non-disclosure agreement while settling his or her claims. Whether or not the details of each case are private is up to the survivor's discretion.

Uber also announced partnerships with the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, and the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund to publish a report with data about sexual assaults that occur through Uber.

The policy update follows other updates to Uber's safety protocols, including the ability for customers to share live trip information, and an emergency call button built into the Uber app. Uber has also increased scrutiny on driver screenings and background checks.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced a new company mantra, saying, "We do the right thing, period."

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