Uber said the “Real-time ID check” feature would weed out fake Uber drivers, and was to ensure that the person behind the wheel matches the registered profile.
It said drivers would be randomly selected to submit a selfie for verification, failing which their accounts could be suspended.
The picture would then be checked against their file picture registered with Uber.
“We’ve optimised the experience to work on nearly any device that has a camera,” Uber Singapore and Malaysia communications chief, Leigh Wong told reporters in Penang today.
“If the face doesn’t match, we block access to the app while we investigate the issue.”
Wong said Uber drivers could also be pulled over during a trip for verification.
Meanwhile, Wong said Penang is Uber’s fastest growing market in Malaysia.
He said most Penang Uber users use it to get to work, while some 20% use it as “weekend tourists”.
Tourist destinations, shopping malls and the Penang International Airport are some of the top destinations for Uber users, with Friday afternoon being the service’s peak time.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram