Uber India is ramping up its security measures on the Uber app for both riders and drivers by launching a new feature. Dubbed as Real-Time ID check, the feature uses Microsoft Cognitive Services, which prompts drivers to share a selfie before going online to help ensure that the driver using the app matches the account that is there on Uber.
Uber will use Microsoft’s Cognitive Services to compare the driver’s photo to the one corresponding with the account on file. If the two photos don’t match, the account is temporarily blocked and Uber will look into the situation. Uber India claims there have been cases where riders have complained that the driver which the app showed them and the actual person driving, at times looked different. The feature has been launched in It is also launched in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi and will soon expand to more cities.
Uber said it had piloted this feature in the U.S. and claims more than 99% of drivers prompted were verified. The company is now starting to roll out it in international markets, which includes South Africa, Egypt, Russia, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam.
Drivers will be prompted at times to submit photos before going online. Sometimes it will be random, sometimes it could be triggered by other indicators including rider feedback or suspicious behavior like driving two consecutive trips on opposite sides of a city, added Uber. Another good thing about the feature is that, the driver verification process will take place before he accepts a ride.
In 2015, Uber added in-app panic button and the ability to send details of your trip and current location to up to five individuals.