Uber security selfie, Real-time ID Check
Uber rolled out a new security feature that requires drivers to take a selfie with the ride-hailing app before taking passengers. www.newsroom.uber.com

Uber drivers may not need to clock in or out in a physical office for every shift but they are now required to take a selfie ID before accepting ride bookings.

The team behind the popular ride-hailing app has partnered with Microsoft to improve security and safety of every Uber ride. With Real-Time ID check, Uber uses Microsoft’s Congnitive Services to compare the driver’s selfie with the photo on his account profile.

“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 Technologies Inc. said in a statement.

Uber’s Real-Time ID Check was rolled out Friday across the United States after months of pilot-testing. Under the security feature, drivers are prompted to take periodical selfies using the Uber app before they accept rides. If the selfie does not match the driver’s profile photo, the account is temporarily blocked while Uber investigates.

“We’re constantly developing and testing new solutions to prevent and reduce risks… Given that verification takes only a few seconds to complete, this feature proactively and efficiently builds more security into the app,” the San Francisco, California-based company said.

Aside from the Real-Time ID Check, Uber already implemented security features to ensure driver and passenger safety. Through global positioning system (GPS), the ride-hailing app detects unprofessional driver behaviour such as speeding and hard braking.

The app likewise includes built-in features that let users share their itinerary on a map with friends and family as well as provide the rider with the driver’s name, photo and vehicle information to share with loved ones.

“Our Global Safety Team continues to explore technologies that keep riders and drivers safe and secure,” Uber added.

Earlier, Uber launched its first fleet of self-driving cars in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It also expanded its new feature "Scheduled Rides" in key cities outside of the US. (Read: Uber inaugurates Scheduled Rides in four Australian cities)