Uber mask selfies are about to become a thing. Starting today, if a driver spots you without a mask, you may be required to take a selfie before being able to ride again.
Since May, Uber requires drivers and delivery workers to take mask selfies when signing on to the app. Starting today, riders may be required to do the same if spotted without a mask by a driver.
Related | LG Is Releasing A Wearable Air Purifier Mask
To date, Uber says that more than 3.5 million drivers and delivery workers have completed over 100 million face mask verification. Still, the ride-sharing company continues to struggle amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Uber drivers are doing everything possible to keep their car as a safe and virus-free environment. It’s only fair to ask riders to do the same. For now, Uber will not require mask selfies for all riders. But if a user is being reported by a driver for not wearing a mask, that rider will be required to take a mask selfie before using Uber again.
Uber also reiterated that both riders and drivers are free to cancel a trip, without penalty, if the other person is not wearing a mask. Uber notes that its technology detects the mask as an object in the photo and “does not process biometric information.”
“We firmly believe that accountability is a two-way street,” Sachin Kansal, Uber’s global head of safety, said in a blog post.
Uber mask selfies are rolling out to the US and Canada and in other countries towards the end of September.
Uber’s business is still struggling to recover from the effect of the pandemic. Gross bookings have fallen 73% year over year in the most recent quarter. In May the company had already announced a set of measures aimed at enhancing safety for its ride-sharing business. The number of people allowed to ride in an Uber X vehicle was brought down from four to three and the company vowed to invest $50 million on supplies for drivers such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and bleach wipes.
Meanwhile, gross bookings in its Uber Eats delivery business grew 113% year over year, thanks to increased demand for food deliveries.
You might also like
More from Lifestyle
New Burger King STAYCOOLNYC Hoodie Keeps Your Whopper Warm
The limited edition Burger King STAYCOOLNYC hoodie with two built-in pockets with insulated warming technology.It might be getting cold outside …
Delta To Offer Free In-Flight WiFi
Delta Airlines is reportedly making every passenger’s dream come true: free in-flight WiFi starting early next year.The airline has reportedly …
Instacart Adds Same-Day holiday Tree Delivery
Instacart is adding the ability for customers on its app to buy holiday trees for same-day delivery from grocers and …
Our 2022 Holiday Travel Style Guide For Digital Nomads
We are gearing up for the Holidays with our 2022 Holiday travel style guide for Digital Nomads.As a digital nomad, …
Banksy Reveals 7 New Murals Across War-Torn Ukraine
The anonymous British street artist Banksy has confirmed that he is the creator of seven new murals in Ukraine.The murals …
Apple Shares Details On The New MLS Season Pass
Apple has unveiled pricing and a launch date for MLS Season Pass, offering every league match with no blackout restrictions.The new …
Homer Simpson’s Most Memorable GIF is Now an Adidas Sneaker
Who would have thought that one of the most memorable Homer Simpson GIF would make its way onto the latest …
Netflix Will Launch Its New Ad Tier on November 3
Netflix will be launching its new Ad Tier on November 1, with 'hundreds' of brands already on Board.The ad-supported new …
Dune: Part Two Is Scheduled For An Earlier Release
Warner Bros.’ second Dune film from director Denis Villeneuve is getting an earlier release date: November 3rd.The movie, directed by …