Uber User Raises Privacy Concerns After Receiving 'Creepy' Messages From Driver On WhatsApp
According to screenshots shared by Kannan, the driver messaged her on WhatsApp, referencing a previous ride she had taken in Kochi.
In a disturbing incident that has sparked concerns over passenger safety and privacy, a female Uber user in India alleged that she received unsolicited and inappropriate messages from an Uber driver on WhatsApp. The user, identified as Kannan, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share her experience, questioning the ride-hailing company’s privacy policies and the safety of its platform for women.
According to screenshots shared by Kannan, the driver messaged her on WhatsApp, referencing a previous ride she had taken in Kochi. When she questioned the driver about why he was contacting her, he reportedly asked her about the perfume she had used during the ride.
Kannan expressed her frustration and alarm in a post on X, tagging Uber India and writing, “WHAT THE ****** @Uber_India how bad are your privacy settings? An Uber driver messages me on WhatsApp and asks me creepy questions. Seriously how safe are women???”
This is not the first time Uber has faced scrutiny over passenger safety. The incident has raised serious questions about how the driver obtained Kannan’s personal contact information and whether Uber’s privacy protocols are sufficient to protect user data. Uber’s policies typically ensure that drivers and passengers communicate only through the app, with phone numbers masked to maintain privacy.
Responding to the post, Uber India said, "Hey Navin, we get how driver cancellations can disrupt your plans. Kindly share your registered details via Direct Message along with the date and time of the trip in reference to your concern. We'll follow up."
As reported by India Today, Uber clarified that the phone numbers of riders and drivers are anonymized for all trips and cannot be accessed directly through the Uber platform. In this instance, the driver allegedly obtained the rider’s phone number via the UPI payment app. Uber reiterated that post-trip contact is strictly prohibited under its policies, and due to this violation of community guidelines, the driver’s access to the platform has been permanently removed.
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