Uber has begun rolling out its “Real-Time ID” security feature to drivers in Ghana.
Uber describes Real-Time ID as a way to prevent fraud and protects drivers’ accounts from being compromised. Although Uber drivers go through background checks before getting signed up to the platform, Uber is adding this feature for extra security.
With Real-Time ID, Uber drivers are prompted to share a selfie before going online to help ensure the driver using the app matches the account on file.
If the two photos don’t match, the account is temporarily blocked while Uber looks into the situation. Verification only takes a few seconds after which the driver is able to go online and pick up passengers.
Alon Lits, General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, explained that during a pilot study of the Real-Time ID Check in South Africa, they learned that more than 99% of drivers were verified.
This feature might also be able to weed out drivers who use cars which are registered with different license plates. The Real-Time ID Check is being rolled out gradually to Uber drivers and will eventually be available to all drivers in the coming months.
