Grab Users Raise Privacy Concerns Over App's Default Audio Recording Feature

Ride-hailing firm says it sent notifications; most users do not recall receiving them

- Esther Loi

Some users of ride-hailing app Grab were caught off-guard when they realised an audio recording safety feature was switched on by default, saying they did not recall receiving a notification about it.

But Grab told The Straits Times on Feb 11 that it had informed users about the new arrangement, under which AudioProtect, the app's voice recording feature, would be turned on by default.

The company said users should have received in-app messages and push notifications for one month after booking the first ride with the feature activated.

AudioProtect acts as a safety measure for users and drivers during a ride, as these recordings can be used to resolve issues arising from safety incidents more efficiently.

From October 2023, a microphone logo would appear in-app during each ride while the feature is enabled.

This is part of the second stage of a trial conducted by Grab, with approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), which started on Nov 29, 2024, and will end by May 28, 2025.

In the first stage of the trial from March 20 to Sept 20, 2023, AudioProtect was offered to users on an opt-in basis, where they had to consent to it via an in-app pop-up to activate it.

According to Grab, the first phase of the trial saw nearly 70 per cent of users reporting an increased sense of security during rides with AudioProtect enabled.

It said AudioProtect was offered on an opt-in basis during the first stage, as the feature was new and users needed "ample time to familiarise themselves" with it.

In the second stage, the feature is enabled by default for all users.

Grab said this opt-out arrangement will make the feature more widely available and allow more users to benefit from its enhanced safety.