For the security of both riders and drivers, cab-aggregator Uber has launched a Real-Time ID Check in India that prompts drivers to take a selfie before they accept rides.

The latest security feature using Microsoft Cognitive Services ' title=' Microsoft Cognitive Services '>Microsoft Cognitive Services to instantly compare selfie to the one corresponding with the account on file.

According to a Uber blog post on Monday, this feature prevents fraud and protects drivers' accounts from being compromised.

If the driver's selfie does not match with the photo registered in his/her account, the account gets temporarily blocked while Uber looks into the situation.
 

"It also protects riders by building another layer of accountability into the app to ensure the right person is behind the wheel. We believe this new initiative will go a long way in keeping our riders and drivers in the city safe and our rides reliable like never before," said Joe Sullivan, Chief Security Officer, Uber.

The feature is available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata.