New Uber Security Feature Connects You with 911 in the Event of an Emergency -- Security Today

New Uber Security Feature Connects You with 911 in the Event of an Emergency

Uber is adding security and safety features to its mobile app to help users feel safe while ride-sharing.

By Sydny Shepard
May 30, 2018

Users of popular ride-sharing app, Uber, might notice something a little different in the application layout starting this week.

After a string of assaults and even some cases of rape by its drivers, Uber is unveiling a new safety feature that will connect directly with police if you are in danger - with just the push of a button.

"We are talking to our riders and drivers and we know that if they're ever in an emergency situation, they want help fast," said Sachin Kansal, Uber's director of product management.

The new security feature, when activated, displays the user's exact location, the make and model of the vehicle the user is riding in and its license plate number. The user can then relay that information to the dispatcher who answers the 911 call. In six cities, however, the user doesn't have to talk to get that information to police. All they have to do is hit the button and the information automatically is sent to 911, even if the user can't speak.

The six cities using the advanced version of the safety feature are:

Denver, Colorado
Charleston, South Carolina
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Naples, Florida
Tri-Cities, Tennessee
Louisville, Kentucky

Uber says Nashville, Tennessee will be the next city to get the advanced emergency button on its app.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now
- Video Surveillance
UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now
- Guard Services
Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.
Mobile Safe Shield

SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.
ResponderLink

Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.