While Uber rejects prospective drivers who have been convicted of murder, sexual assault, kidnapping and terrorism, but has been found to approve people with criminal convictions, including violent felonies.PHOTO: REUTERS

Uber cleared violent felons to drive. US passengers accused them of rape.

· The Straits Times

NEW YORK - Uber says its background checks are essential for keeping passengers safe, promising that all of its drivers have passed a screening for violent crimes.

The claim, made in marketing materials, ignores a critical detail: The system approves people with many types of criminal convictions, including violent felonies.