Urban Company strengthens safety protocol with Microsoft Azure solutions

New Delhi-based home services company Urban Company, formerly known as UrbanClap, said that it will strengthen the safety protocols on its platform using Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services.

The new service aims to assist the identity verification of professionals with key parameters of zero impersonation, professional experience and data security.

Azure Cognitive Services has enabled Urban Company to tap into domain-specific AI models and API service that has been developed with the aim of bringing AI within the reach of every developer, the company said in a statement.

“At Urban Company, safety is at the centerstage for us. And as we aim to deliver more than 10 million jobs per month by 2022 in 30+ cities across multiple countries it is important to invest in the right technology that can match our growth." Abhiraj Bhal, co-founder, Urban Company.

Read: Tiger Global-backed UrbanClap is now Urban Company; verticals to become sub-brands

The solution helps when a professional reaches the customer's house and clicks a selfie before starting the job, this selfie will be checked to ensure that the professional present at the customer's house is the same as the one to whom the job had been assigned to on the app. If any discrepancy is found, the Trust and Safety team will initiate necessary action.

Once the software checks the selfie and approves, the professional can start his work. Further, in this self-learning solution, images are added to a professional's profile over time so that the profile remains up to date, aspects such as weight gain, weight loss, change in facial hair (beard or clean-shaven), hair colour, among others are taken into account, the company added.

“This solution using Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services will benefit consumers the most. It will help us set an automated facial recognition pattern and set a new benchmark for safety standards”. Bhal said.

Urban Company currently has a 10-pronged safety mechanism to ensure maximum customer safety including OTP and selfie checks with technological backing.

The company also adheres to a strict on boarding process, which includes a thorough background verification process of professionals and a rigorous training module following industry standards.

“Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services enables our partners to accelerate their growth and boost innovation at scale. Urban Company’s solution promises to enable not just a secure and smooth customer experience, but also furthers the foundation of trust for enterprises.” Sangeeta Bavi, Director – Startups, Microsoft India said.