Uber asks drivers to take selfies for security read more at here www.spinonews.com/index.php/item/981-uber-asks-drivers-to-take-selfies-for-security

Uber rolled out a new feature that requires drivers to confirm their identities via a selfie photo before each shift.

The new feature, called Real-Time ID Check, is described as a way to prevent fraud and protects drivers’ accounts from being compromised, but some critics say it’s an acknowledgement by Uber that some drivers have never undergone background checks.

The company is teaming up with Microsoft Cognitive Services, which uses facial recognition software to confirm the driver's identity, will then compare this photograph to the one corresponding with the account on file.

Uber's chief security officer says the likelihood of account fraud and theft is a "low-frequency" problem right now, but the company doesn't want to take any chances. 

Uber currently provides customers with a variety of information about their ride, including the driver's name, photo, car’s license plate, as well as a visual map of the car's location. But once the car arrives, it is up to the rider to determine if the photo and name match the person in the driver's seat.

Image Credits: Uber

The company explained that when the photo on file and the selfie don't match the account is blocked until the situation is cleared.  During our pilot of Real-Time ID Check over the past few months, the majority of mismatches were due to unclear profile photos. And more than 99% of drivers were ultimately verified, the company said.

Uber said that it has also started using GPS and smartphone technology to detect and prevent "dangerous driving behavior such as fast acceleration and hard