Uber to tighten background checks for drivers, NY Times reports

Uber (UBER) plans to tighten its driver background check policies following a New York Times investigation that found drivers with certain older violent convictions were approved in some states, The NYT’s Emily Steel reports. The company is preparing to permanently bar individuals convicted of violent felonies, sexual offenses, and child or elder abuse-regardless of when the crimes occurred-and is reviewing rules around other offenses such as harassment, restraining order violations, and weapons charges, Steel writes, citing people familiar with the matter. “Safety isn’t static, and our approach isn’t, either,” an Uber spokesman, Matt Kallman, said in a statement. “We listen, we learn, we speak with experts and we evolve as the world changes. We believe that’s the hallmark of a healthy, effective safety culture.”