Uber to Verify Riders’ Identities as Part of Driver Safety Push

Uber Technologies Inc. will begin checking passengers’ account information against third-party identity verification databases in an effort to make drivers feel safer.

Starting Wednesday, US riders whose identities are verified — either automatically using partners like Prove or by manually uploading documents — will receive a blue badge that’s visible to drivers when deciding whether to accept a ride request, Uber said in an announcement. Unverified passengers can still request trips, and passengers’ last names will continue to be hidden from drivers.

For years, drivers have lobbied rideshare companies to add safety features that would protect them against carjackings ...