Uber ends controversial policy: How it makes riding safer for you

Uber announced it is changing a policy that will impact how the company handles sexual assault and harassment cases.

The ride-hailing company announced it is ending the practice of mandatory arbitration starting Tuesday. Previously, the company required accusers to mediate their claims in secret, CBS reported this morning. Now those who agree to settlements will not be required to sign confidentiality agreements.

Here are three key points to take away:

1. CONFIDENTIALITY

"We have no interest in closing down a person's freedom to voice their experience or force their concerns. So I think one thing that you will certainly see from us is that to the extent you go to arbitration and you want to talk about your experiences or what happened we're absolutely fine with that," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahitold CBS News correspondent Bianna Golodryga.

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2. DISCLOSING DATA

Uvberwill also disclose data on sexual assaults and other incidents to “foster accountability,” but as of now, no time frame has been set to release that report.

3. NEW SAFETY FEATURES Uber is also adding a feature on their app that allows riders to share live information about their trip with up to five trusted contacts, and they are also implementing an emergency button that will communicate the car's location to 911.

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