Security Concern- Big problem for delivery and ride-hailing platforms

Problem Statement :

Account renting on ride-hailing and delivery platforms allows unverified individuals—who may have criminal records or bad driving histories—to operate under someone else's verified account. This practice increases platform liability and damages customer trust, as it bypasses safety and verification measures. Detecting and preventing account renting is crucial to ensuring trust, safety, and compliance.

Inspiration from : https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/andreferraz_big-problem-for-delivery-and-ride-hailing-activity-7224798772793352195-oS7q?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

To address the problem of account renting on delivery and ride-hailing platforms, we can implement a multi-faceted solution that combines technology, policy changes, and user behavior monitoring to detect and block such activities.

1. Enhanced Identity Verification with Biometric Checks

• Solution: Introduce biometric verification such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning for drivers.
• Implementation: Require biometric checks not only during initial onboarding but also periodically during the day or shift (e.g., random facial recognition check-ins).
• Benefit: This makes it difficult for someone other than the verified driver to operate under a rented account.

2. Geo-Tagging with Time Analysis

• Solution: Use GPS data to analyze driver behavior over time. If a driver’s location changes unrealistically fast between two places (e.g., two drivers sharing the same account in different cities), it raises a red flag.
• Implementation: Monitor the consistency of a driver’s route, home base, and driving times to detect discrepancies.
• Benefit: By tracking unusual driving patterns, the platform can identify cases where accounts are being shared or rented.

3. Device Fingerprinting

• Solution: Use device fingerprinting to track and analyze the devices drivers use to log in.
• Implementation: Ensure each driver’s account is consistently associated with specific devices (phone or tablet). If multiple devices are frequently used for one account, it can indicate suspicious behavior.
• Benefit: It helps prevent account access from unauthorized or rented devices.

4. Behavioural Anomaly Detection with AI

• Solution: Use machine learning algorithms to detect behavioral anomalies. For example, sudden changes in driving style, order acceptance behavior, or performance could signal account rental.
• Implementation: Train an AI model to track metrics like driving routes, response times, customer feedback, and time patterns to spot unusual trends.
• Benefit: This automates the detection of account misuse based on deviations from normal patterns.

5. Random Video Call Verification

• Solution: Periodically request random video call check-ins for drivers during working hours to ensure the person behind the wheel is the verified account holder.
• Implementation: Drivers are required to show their face on a live video call at random intervals, and the platform compares it with their stored profile.
• Benefit: A quick, real-time verification process makes it harder for account renters to continue using rented accounts.

6. Driver Performance and Review Monitoring

• Solution: Keep a closer eye on performance and customer reviews. Unverified drivers may have poor driving skills or fail to meet standards, leading to a noticeable dip in reviews and ratings.
• Implementation: Automate alerts for drastic changes in reviews or a spike in complaints. Regular monitoring of complaints about driver professionalism or punctuality can also identify issues.
• Benefit: This provides indirect insight into potential account renting without overt security checks.

7. Community Reporting Mechanism

• Solution: Empower customers and other drivers to report suspected account rental activities.
• Implementation: Introduce a clear, easy-to-use in-app reporting tool for passengers and fellow drivers to report any suspicious activities such as mismatched identities.
• Benefit: This crowdsources enforcement and adds another layer of security.

8. Strict Legal and Policy Enforcement

• Solution: Update the platform’s terms and conditions to explicitly prohibit account renting and implement strict legal consequences for offenders.
• Implementation: Regularly remind drivers of the consequences of renting accounts through app notifications and driver meetings. Violate policies will result in immediate account suspension or permanent banning, with potential legal action.
• Benefit: Strong policies combined with awareness can deter many drivers from engaging in such practices.

9. Incentivise Verified Drivers

• Solution: Provide incentives for drivers who consistently meet verification standards, such as bonuses or higher-tier rewards.
• Implementation: Offer exclusive rewards programs for drivers who have maintained a positive driving record without any violations of account sharing policies.
• Benefit: Positive reinforcement can motivate drivers to stick to the platform’s standards and reduce the likelihood of renting accounts.

Summary:

By combining biometric verification, behavioural analytics, device tracking, and policy enforcement, platforms can significantly reduce the risk of account renting. These strategies not only protect the platform's reputation but also maintain trust and safety for both customers and verified drivers.