Careem introduces ‘facial recognition’ technology to champion unprecedented passenger safety in ride-hailing

In another step towards making ride-hailing safer and a more secure experience for its users, Careem, the region’s leading ride-hailing app, announces the integration of facial technology to its technological framework to set a new benchmark in passenger safety.

Powered by Digital Barriers, a leading provider of intelligent security solutions across the globe, the backend biometric identification system enables Careem to confirm its Captains’ identity in real-time, eliminating all risks associated with fraudulent car ownership and possession. Secured by a robust verification process that validates every Captain’s identity with their assigned car, users are assured of being in safe hands at all times, with the technology providing Careem with round-the-clock Captain authentication capabilities.   

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 recognition 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 process. It also adds another important layer to our Captain screening process helping to ensure 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. While the process of booking the ride and app user-interface remain unchanged, the extra safety layer running on Careem’s backend network authenticates a Captain’s details upon each booking.