Drivers set to push Uber to review name display rules for rider safety and privacy
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
GMB Union has highlighted concerns about the way Uber currently displays driver names to passengers, saying the system exposes unnecessary personal information and raises privacy risks.
Drivers want greater control over how their details are shown, particularly around middle names.
Some drivers have reported to the GMB Union that Uber’s platform automatically reveals their full registered name, including middle names, to riders. While intended to improve transparency and trust, drivers argue that this level of disclosure goes too far and can put them at risk of unwanted attention outside the platform.
Concerns from the driver side
For drivers, the main issue is that their work involves contact with a large number of strangers every day. By displaying middle names, Uber is giving riders more identifying information than is typically necessary to complete a safe and secure trip.
There are some worries that the extra information could make them easier to trace outside of the app, creating safety concerns if a dispute occurs.
This stands in contrast to most taxi and private hire licensing standards, where only first name and surname initials are normally shown to passengers, alongside a driver number.
It may be argued that visibility of driver details builds trust with passengers, ensuring they know who is picking them up and helping to prevent fraud. But GMB is pushing for a more balanced approach, where privacy is better protected without undermining rider confidence.
What could be done to fix it?
One simple solution would be to allow drivers to adjust how their names are displayed within the app. An option to shorten names to first name plus initial, or to hide middle names entirely, would give drivers more control over their own personal data.
Clearer guidance for both drivers and passengers could also help. Explaining why certain information is shown, and how it is used, would give transparency without exposing drivers unnecessarily.
Why it matters
The question of name display fits into the wider debate about data and privacy in the gig economy. With drivers already concerned about profile photos being screenshotted and retained by riders and used on social media, the display of additional personal details only adds to unease.
Just as passengers are not required to share their full legal names with drivers, it is argued that drivers should be able to protect theirs.
