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Uber launches ‘Driver Verification’ feature in Bahrain

MANAMA, April 13, 2017

As part of its commitment to improve safety for both driver-partners and riders, Uber today launched “Driver Verification” in Bahrain.

The innovative technology feature works by prompting driver-partners to share a selfie from time to time before going online, to ensure the driver using the app matches the account profile Uber has on file. Not only will the new app protect drivers’ accounts from being compromised and prevent fraud, it will also protect riders by building another layer of accountability into the app, ensuring the right person is behind the wheel, the company said.
 
“Uber is consistently developing and testing new solutions, to prevent and reduce risk, as well as enhancing the potential of its features to anticipate issues before they even happen. Driver Verification is the latest safety feature to be rolled out by Uber, following a trial in the US last year, where the technology was successful in verifying more than 99 per cent of driver-partners in the pilot programme,” it said.

Designed using Microsoft Cognitive Services, the new safety feature is currently being rolled out to international markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other countries. To ensure a successful launch, Driver Verification will be a phased roll out and not all driver-partners will see the option right away, it said.

Zeid Hreish, general manager of Uber Bahrain, said: “At Uber, safety is our number one priority - whether you’re a driver-partner or a rider. That’s why we continue to develop our technology to enhance the safety of thousands of driver-partners and riders across Bahrain. After a very successful pilot programme in the US, we are delighted to be launching Driver Verification here in Bahrain.”


How does it work?
○ From time to time, driver-partners are asked to take a selfie in the Uber app before they accept rides.
○ Uber then uses Microsoft’s Cognitive Services to instantly compare this photo to the one corresponding with the account on file.
○ If the two photos don’t match, the account is temporarily blocked while Uber looks into the situation. - TradeArabia News Service


 




Tags: Bahrain | driver | Uber |

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