Uber has announced a significant decrease in serious sexual assault reports, citing a 44% drop since 2017. This reduction is attributed to investments in safety technology, transparency, and survivor-focused programs, according to a company news release.
According to Reuters, Uber’s August 2025 safety statement was issued in response to renewed scrutiny following allegations that the company downplayed safety concerns. The report highlights Uber’s emphasis on its investment in safety technology and transparency, noting over $1 billion spent globally on safety initiatives since 2018. Reuters further noted that Uber’s publication of its U.S. Safety Reports—detailing verified data on assault, misconduct, and fatalities—has set an industry benchmark for openness.
Uber’s official newsroom press release from August 6 states that serious sexual assault reports decreased by 44% between 2017 and 2022 across 6.3 billion U.S. trips. The release clarifies that recent lawsuits included unaudited categories such as verbal harassment or inappropriate gestures, differing from the rigorously verified assault categories in Uber’s Public Safety Reports. The company emphasized that only 0.00002% of all U.S. trips involved the most serious incidents.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Uber’s proprietary Safety Risk Assessed Dispatch (S-RAD) algorithm has reduced the rate of sexual misconduct and assault reports by 10% since its introduction in 2020. The system uses machine learning to optimize driver–rider pairings based on variables such as trip time and historical safety data, thereby reducing potential conflict situations.
According to Uber Technologies, Inc., the company operates as a global mobility and technology platform in over 10,000 cities worldwide, offering services like ridesharing and food delivery. Founded in 2009, Uber aims to make movement safer and more reliable through ongoing investments in rider and driver protection initiatives.
