Facial recognition adds extra security layer to car ride bookings
Smartphone users in the Middle East can now book taxis with the help of facial recognition technology.
Careem, a major player in the ride hailing market in the region, has signed a major contract with Digital Barriers, a security service provider, to implement biometric facial recognition software within its ride hailing mobile application.
The feature is designed to add an extra layer of security and offer peace of mind to passengers. Using a camera in the driver’s phone, the app will match the identity of the driver to company records, which is where drivers are linked to their cars.
The co-founder of the company hailed the technology as a move in the right direction, making ride-hailing across the UAE much safer as a result.
Magnus Olsson, Co-founder and Chief Xperience Officer at Careem, said: “When customers rely on a ride-hailing service or any other mode of transportation to go from point A to point B, they are also placing their trust on the service provider for their safety and security. In our efforts to simplify people’s lives in the region, safety plays an unprecedented role and the integration of Digital Barriers’ facial technology will further bolster the confidence and faith our users have in the Careem brand.
“The biometric technology helps us strengthen our relationship with our users further by providing them with the reassurance that every Captain’s credentials are being monitored at all times through a sophisticated network. It also adds another important layer to our Captain screening process by ensuring that only those individuals with a clean track record are invited to become part of the Careem family.”
The facial recognition facility will also prove to be an added advantage for markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia where many working families depend on the ‘Careem Kids’ service to safely transport their children back from school.
How is Careem fighting to be crowned the market leader in the UAE against Uber? Read our report on Uber Vs Careem: Dawn of Taxis.
