Now when a driver accepts a request, his or her first name, photo, license plate number, and rating will be shown to the person being picked up.

Technology has the potential to solve some of the biggest problems being faced by the world today – congestion, pollution, global warming, access to healthcare and education, clean water, and much more. It’s also a powerful tool that can improve safety and security in ways not possible before. What’s more exciting is the potential for products and features to prevent issues before they even happen, that too with a simple and fun technology like a selfie!

The Real-Time ID Check is such security feature which uses Microsoft Cognitive Services to protect both riders and drivers.

How it works:

• Drivers are asked periodically to take a selfie in the Uber app before they accept rides.
• The company 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 they look into the situation.

Here’s how Uber plans on making rides in India safer:

Trips are no longer anonymous.  When a driver accepts a request, his or her first name, photo, license plate number, and rating will be shown to the person being picked up.  In addition, the driver can see the first name and rating of the passenger. Drivers and riders can contact each other through the app if there is any confusion around pick-up details.    

When riders enter their destination into their app, drivers will automatically receive turn-by-turn directions (navigation) on their app throughout the trip. Riders can also see their route live on a map in the app so they always know where they are and if they are on the right route.

Riders can easily share their ride details, including the specific route and estimated time of arrival, with friends or family. They’ll receive a link where they can see in real time the name and photo of the driver, the vehicle, and the trip route live on the map until the final destination is reached — and they can do all of this without having to download the Uber app themselves.

SOS Function: Safety features have been incorporated in the app to ensure a safe, reliable and convenient travel from point A to point B, one such India first feature is the SOS function, now known as the ‘EMERGENCY’ button. With this, riders will be able to directly connect with the police control room and an internal response team at Uber as well.