Uber introduces 'mask verification feature' in India

Uber has come out with a comprehensive set of new safety measures to help reduce the chances of COVID-19 infection. It introduced the ‘mask verification feature’ in India.

The new feature in requests riders to take a selfie wearing a mask, to book their trip. The feature is triggered when drivers have previously tagged you for not wearing a mask.

Mask verification feature was launched in the US and Canada in late September this year, followed by Latin America and other countries.

Also Read: Twitter receives flak after J-K displayed as part of China; calls it ‘technical issue’

Uber has been introducing various new features to fight COVID-19. The ride app has a Go Online Checklist and a mandatory mask policy for riders, pre-trip mask verification selfies for drivers, and compulsory driver education around COVID-19 related safety protocols.

Uber began mask verification selfies for drivers in May 2020, and since then more than 17.44 million verifications have been carried out across India.

Additionally, Uber has been distributing 2,00,000 bottles of disinfectants and sanitisers to drivers and over three million masks, free.

Also Read: AICTE revises academic calendar for 2020-21 session, engineering classes from Dec 1

Sachin Kansal, Uber’s Senior Director of Product Management informed that the new feature was aimed only towards the riders who might have recently joined the platform or maybe returning to the platform after a gap and might not be aware of their new mask policy.

Pavan Vaish, Head of Supply & Driver Operations, Uber India said that this feature will raise the bar on safety and make the platform safer not just for for the next rider and driver as well.