Uber Real-Time ID Check

Uber's 'Real-Time ID Check' system enables the ridehail company to check that a driver’s face matches what the company has on file in order to minimise fraud, increase security, and manage its workforce.

Developed by Microsoft, Real-Time ID Check was rolled out by Uber in the US in 2016, India in 2017, the UK in 2020, and other markets.

Transparency and accountability 🙈

A number of transparency and accountability limitations have been associated with Uber's Real-Time ID Check:

• Data privacy disclosure. While Uber emphasises adherence to best practices for handling personal data, there are inherent concerns about how personal data is stored, used, and shared. The system requires drivers to submit real-time selfies, raising questions about the extent of data retention and the potential for misuse.

• Complaints and appeals. If a driver fails the Real-Time ID Check, their account is temporarily suspended pending further verification. The process for resolving such issues may not be swift or transparent, leaving drivers without a clear path to quickly address and rectify the situation.

Risks and harms 🛑

Real-time Check has suffered criticism for misidentifications which can result in loss of pay and jobs, loss of opportunity, and discrimination.

The system and its governance have also been accused of exhibiting poor transparency and accountablity.

Legal, regulatory 👩🏼‍⚖️

• Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act

• UK Equality Act 2010

Research, advocacy 🧮

• Watkins E. A. (2020). Took a Pic and Got Declined, Vexed and Perplexed: Facial Recognition in Algorithmic Management

News, commentary, analysis 🗞️

• https://www.wired.co.uk/article/uber-eats-couriers-facial-recognition

• https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/19/uber-under-pressure-over-facial-recognition-checks-for-drivers/

• https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/08/transgender-uber-driver-suspended-tech-oversight-facial-recognition.html

• https://thenextweb.com/news/ubers-real-time-id-check-doesnt-deal-well-with-transgender-drivers

• https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/ai-decoded/politico-ai-decoded-allies-wanted-your-boss-is-watching-i-spy-a-little-ai/

• https://www.biometricupdate.com/202103/uber-workers-allege-flawed-face-biometrics-prompted-their-firing

• https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/couriers-allege-facial-id-software-used-by-uber-is-indirectly-racist/

• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2021/03/02/unions-push-uber-scrutiny-claims-photo-tech-racist/

• https://www.hrgrapevine.com/content/article/2021-03-04-couriers-claim-racist-tech-cost-them-their-job/Twitter

• https://www.desiblitz.com/content/bame-uber-couriers-claim-racist-facial-recognition-cost-jobs

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58831373

• https://www.itv.com/news/london/2021-10-06/uber-taken-to-court-for-racist-facial-recognition-software

• https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252507239/Uber-drivers-strike-over-pay-issues-and-unfair-dismissal-claims

• https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/10/uber-is-being-sued-over-its-racist-facial-recognition-system/ 

• https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/05/uber-faces-legal-action-over-racially-discriminatory-facial-recognition-id-checks/

• https://www.engadget.com/uber-drivers-take-legal-action-over-racially-discriminatory-facial-recognition-093531420.html

• https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/oct/05/ex-uber-driver-takes-legal-action-over-racist-face-recognition-software

• https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/adcu-launches-legal-action-against-uber-s-unfair-facial-recognition-dismissal-of-a-driver

• https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/06/1064287/ubers-facial-recognition-is-locking-indian-drivers-out-of-their-accounts/