Daily News

View All News

New Uber feature verifies driver identities

September 26, 2016

Online services firm Uber introduced a new security feature that requires Uber drivers to periodically take a selfie to ensure that person driving the car is the same person that Uber has on file as the driver.

“Real-Time ID Check prompts drivers to share a selfie before going online to help ensure the driver using the app matches the account we have on file,” according to the Uber blog. “This prevents fraud and protects drivers’ accounts from being compromised. It also protects riders by building another layer of accountability into the app to ensure the right person is behind the wheel.”

Uber uses Microsoft Cognitive Services to compare the selfie to the photo on file. If the photos don’t match, the driver’s account is temporarily blocked while Uber examines the situation.

More than 99% of drivers were verified in a test of the process over the past few months. Uber said a majority of the mismatches were due to unclear file photos.

Uber ranks as the largest firm in terms of human cloud spend, according to a report by Staffing Industry Analysts.

Separately, an Uber executive broached the idea of the company offering rides via vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, CNBC reports.