Indonesian ride-hailing app Gojek has deployed face verification for its drivers, the company announced in a statement on Friday. Utilizing facial recognition technology, drivers will be required to provide a selfie when logging in to their account or before accepting an order.
The company’s chief of operations Hans Patuwo said that this initiative is part of Gojek’s attempt to prevent fraudulent transactions on the app. “The face verification feature guarantees that data and information entered is matching, protecting the driver-partners’ accounts from potential misuse,” he said.
Gojek chose the facial recognition method to ensure a quick verification process that doesn’t hinder drivers when taking orders. Aside from the login and order-taking, drivers might also be required to verify on random occasions, said Patuwo.
The feature is the latest addition to the app’s security system called Gojek SHIELD, which includes number masking for both drivers and clients, suspicious activity detection using AI, and in-app emergency button.
Gojek hasn’t responded to questions whether the same verification system will be applied to the customer side as well, to prevent account hijacking.
Last month, Gojek’s app was used to intimidate Indonesian human right activists by sending a slew of food delivery and transport orders to their locations. Victims in this incident claimed that their accounts were hijacked by unknown perpetrators.
