Uber is launching a 'verified' rider badge feature in the U.S. to enhance driver safety, allowing drivers to see if riders have completed additional verification steps. This initiative comes following a safety report indicating that a significant percentage of assault incidents involved riders against drivers. To achieve verification, riders may need to submit government-issued IDs and selfies, with Uber stating that the information will be encrypted and not visible to drivers. Other safety features include the ability for drivers to record rides using their smartphones and a new PIN verification system for pickups. Uber has already blocked around 15,000 accounts with fake names, emphasizing its commitment to security. These changes are expected to improve trust on the platform amid rising concerns over driver safety.