Uber will require passengers to prove they're wearing a mask with a selfie if a driver reports them for not wearing one

• Uber will soon require some passengers to upload mask selfies to prove they're wearing one.
• The rule will be enforced if drivers report a rider for not wearing a mask.
• Earlier this year, Uber began requiring all drivers upload similar verification selfies to ensure mask compliance.
• Masks have been proven to successfully slow transmission of the coronavirus, which has hobbled Uber's core business.

Uber riders will be required to upload a mask selfie if a driver reports them as not wearing appropriate face protection, the company announced Tuesday. If they don't, they won't be allowed to ride again.

Earlier this year, Uber started requiring all drivers to upload the same verification photo proving they have a mask in order to drive. The company said more than 3 million drivers have uploaded more than 100 million selfies since June when the verification technology was introduced.

"We firmly believe that accountability is a two-way street," Uber said in a press release. "That's why we're expanding the same technology to riders, too … With the addition of this new feature, one driver's feedback can help ensure the safety of Uber for the next driver."

The new rules will roll out at the end of September, Uber said.

Face masks have been proven to help slow the spread of the virus, which travels primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosol particles.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in May that for many passengers and drivers, their next Uber trip in a world radically changed by the COVID-19 pandemic would be like a first trip all over again. However, overall ride volumes remain significantly hampered by the coronavirus outbreak.

"Our global geographic footprint remains a huge advantage," Khosrowshahi said in August, "and we're seeing evidence that confirms what we've always believed, that when cities move again, so does Uber."

Shares of Uber are up about 7% since the beginning of the year, roughly in-line with market benchmarks.