Uber Technologies Inc. is expanding its background-check criteria for drivers and couriers across the U.S. starting this Monday [1, 2].
The move comes as the company faces increasing pressure to ensure passenger safety following reports that individuals with violent criminal histories were able to access the platform [2, 4].
Uber is broadening the list of criminal convictions that disqualify a person from working as a driver or delivery courier [1, 3]. The updated rules specifically add convictions for murder, homicide, kidnapping, and sex crimes involving minors to the disqualification list [1, 2]. Sexual assault convictions will also trigger a ban from the platform [1, 2].
These safety standards are a direct response to a series of sexual-assault lawsuits and investigative reports detailing lapses in the company's previous screening process [2, 4]. The company is tightening the rules to prevent individuals with violent records from operating vehicles or delivering goods to customers [1, 2].
There is conflicting information regarding how these rules apply to current workers. Bloomberg Law said that Uber is applying the new standards retroactively to existing workers [2]. However, other reports focus on the requirements for new applicants without confirming if current drivers will be re-screened under these specific criteria [1].
Uber has not provided a specific number of drivers who may be affected by these changes, but the policy shift marks a significant change in how the company manages its independent contractor workforce [1, 3].
“Uber is broadening the list of criminal convictions that disqualify a person from working.”
This policy shift indicates a transition from a growth-oriented onboarding process to a risk-mitigation strategy. By expanding the disqualification list and potentially applying standards retroactively, Uber is attempting to reduce its legal liability and address systemic safety failures that have led to high-profile lawsuits.
