"Uber drivers told how to spot traffickers in their cabs", 29 Jan 2018

Uber is enlisting its drivers across the United States in the fight against modern slavery by giving them tips on how to spot traffickers and their victims when they hail a car...

About 40 million people worldwide were living as modern slaves last year - many trapped in forced labour or sexual exploitation - according to the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) and human rights group Walk Free Foundation.

"Uber connects millions of people daily all around the globe, and drivers are uniquely positioned to help identify and ultimately prevent human trafficking," Uber safety spokeswoman Tracey Breeden said in a statement. The company said it was partnering with U.S. anti-trafficking groups [...] in an effort to fight the crime. The move comes as Uber tries to reassure regulators that it is changing the way it does business, after a string of controversies damaged its reputation...

Uber has been criticised in several countries for failing to carry out thorough background checks on drivers. The company is battling to keep its cars on the streets of London amid concerns about its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and vetting drivers.