DoorDash cracks down on drivers with stricter identity checks
- DoorDash is increasing identity checks for its drivers to tackle unauthorized account sharing and enhance public safety.
- The new verification measures follow a series of complaints from various cities about dangerous driving by improperly registered drivers.
- This initiative aims to ensure more accountability among drivers and comply with federal scrutiny over delivery platforms.
In response to growing pressure and complaints regarding unsafe driving practices, DoorDash has implemented stricter identity verification measures for its drivers across several U.S. cities. Over the summer of 2024, the company faced numerous complaints from cities like Boston and New York regarding drivers with multiple traffic violations operating under accounts registered to others. This raised significant safety concerns about which individuals were delivering food to consumers. As part of an initiative to enhance accountability, DoorDash announced its plan to enforce real-time identity checks immediately after drivers complete deliveries. This new verification strategy was first rolled out in significant markets, including Los Angeles, Denver, and Seattle, with plans for a broader implementation in the coming year. The company has also developed a machine learning system designed to detect unauthorized account access through anomalies in login patterns and suspicious activities. When a potential issue is flagged, drivers will be required to re-verify their identity before they can continue delivering. Moreover, drivers in the U.S. must present a government-issued identification along with a selfie that matches their ID photo to comply with DoorDash's requirements. It was discovered that some drivers were circumventing these requirements by sharing accounts, with unauthorized drivers paying authorized users for access to their accounts. This situation has sparked heightened scrutiny from federal lawmakers, who are calling for delivery platforms like DoorDash to enhance their measures against unauthorized drivers, particularly those who may be working illegally. These lawmakers highlighted that individuals operating without proper background checks and under False names pose risks to public safety. Although DoorDash has not disclosed how many drivers are using shared accounts, it assures that its safeguards are effective. The company has taken additional steps since last year, requiring drivers to submit a selfie for verification on a monthly basis, and currently mandates more than 150,000 drivers to complete these checks weekly or face removal from the platform for non-compliance.