Uber Technologies will broaden its background check requirements for U.S. drivers and couriers starting Monday, permanently disqualifying workers with convictions for a wider range of violent crimes regardless of when the offenses occurred. Newly disqualifying offenses include armed robbery, aggravated assault, child abuse and endangerment, strangulation, and stalking. The company said the changes will result in the removal of tens of thousands of existing drivers and couriers, or about 0.5% of its active U.S. workforce. Uber is also expanding background checks by using a 99-year Social Security number trace to identify additional jurisdictions for court record searches. The move comes as the ride-hailing company faces thousands of lawsuits over alleged sexual assaults by drivers.
Uber Technologies IncUber expands background checks, disqualifying more drivers due to lawsuits over sexual assaults, which may reduce driver supply and increase costs.