Riders in cities like Detroit and Chicago are getting an added layer of security on Uber rides as the ride-hailing titan rolls out a new verification system complete with a blue checkmark for users whose identities have been confirmed, a move that comes in response to safety concerns from drivers. CBS News Detroit reports that Uber's fresh pilot program is designed to cross-check names and phone numbers against third-party databases, typically verifying a user automatically; however, some riders may need to upload a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or a passport to earn their badge.

According to ClickOnDetroit, starting April 18, this verified badge is intended to deter fraud and help Uber participants feel safer knowing with certainty, the identity of the person they're sharing a ride with. Uber promises the data will be safeguarded with encryption, so private information stays that way—drivers will only see the badge, the rider's first name, their star rating, and trip details, while riders can stay confident their last names and phone numbers won't be disclosed.

Crucially, this new feature arrives in the wake of incidents that have rattled the ride-share community: a driver was slain on the job in Chicago's Austin neighborhood last December and another was fatally shot while on duty in Little Italy over a year before, incidents highlighted by The Pantagraph. With security as a glaring issue for those behind the wheel, Uber has introduced this measure as one among several aimed at enhancing on-the-road safety.

Not all drivers are convinced that the verification system answers their safety qualms. Chicago driver David Lavine expressed skepticism, per The Pantagraph, Lavine said "The new rider verification is 'not very meaningful' and verification shouldn’t be optional for riders but required," and asserted that those opting not to verify might be the very individuals sparking concern, saying "Maybe the honest people who you didn’t have to worry about in the first place.", illustrating the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of Uber's safety measures. He also touched upon the necessity of drivers taking responsibility for their safety in an inherently unpredictable field of work. Uber plans to use the rollout phase to tweak the system and eventually launch it across the nation, with many drivers and riders keeping a keen eye on the impact of this blue checkmark on their sense of security.