Uber driver reps set to discuss tighter controls on profile photo privacy
- Perry Richardson
- 17 minutes ago
- 2 min read
GMB Union are set to raise new concerns about the way driver profile photos are handled on the Uber platform. Drivers say that passengers can freely screenshot their images without restriction, creating risks of misuse outside the app.
The profile photo is intended to give passengers confidence that the person collecting them matches the details shown on screen. But drivers argue that once an image is captured, Uber has little control over how it might be used, shared, or stored elsewhere.
Risks to drivers
For drivers, the ability of riders to screenshot and save their profile pictures raises privacy issues. Some worry that photos could be circulated online or linked with personal details such as registration plates and full names, which already appear in the app.
There may be also fears that images could be used in fraudulent ways, for example by impersonating a driver on social media or in other contexts outside Uber’s platform. In an industry where disputes can escalate quickly, drivers want stronger safeguards against their personal data being misused.
What could improve the system?
One option would be to restrict screenshots of driver profile photos within the Uber app. Similar protections already exist in some financial services and video streaming platforms, where screenshots are blocked for security reasons.
Another solution would be watermarking, where any screenshot taken would automatically display identifying information to discourage misuse. For instance, the passenger’s user ID and timestamp could appear across the image.
Uber could also strengthen its reporting and takedown processes, making it easier for drivers to flag misuse of their images and ensuring the company acts swiftly to remove them.
The concern will be raised formally at this month’s meeting between Uber and GMB Union.
