Grab, a ride-hailing app based in Singapore, has faced mixed reactions after enabling its audio recording feature, AudioProtect, by default in recent months.

A survey found that nine out of ten users did not recall notifications about the feature, raising concerns about its implementation.

This feature is designed to enhance safety during rides and is part of a trial approved by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), concluding on May 28.

According to Grab, users received notifications about the activation via in-app messages and push notifications for a month.

Initially opt-in since March 2023, AudioProtect became opt-out in November 2024, with critics arguing that Grab’s notifications were insufficient.

In response, Grab updated its alerts on Feb. 3, ensuring users receive notifications for every ride with AudioProtect enabled.

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