Ola ups customer privacy, introduces number masking

Bs_logoImage
Press Trust of India Bengaluru
Last Updated : Sep 19 2015 | 2:32 PM IST
Taxi aggregator Ola today said that it has introduced number masking on its platform which will enable mobile numbers of customers to remain undisclosed to drivers.
The aggregator has integrated a cloud telephony solution, which sends an encrypted number to the driver whenever a customer books a cab.
Drivers calling from their Ola device will not be able to see the customer's mobile number but will automatically be routed through the encrypted number, the company said in a release.
The number masking feature is active for driver-partners in all cities where Ola operates, it added.
With this, calls made by the driver-partners can be traced by Ola from archived recordings at all times, Ola said.
The company's driver-partners will not bear the cost of calls made to customers, since they would be routed directly through the device, the firm said and claimed that this was a first of its kind step in the industry towards ensuring complete privacy of user's contact details.
Ola had earlier said that it has set aside USD 20 million towards safety initiatives in the current year.
"The number masking feature brings enhanced privacy for users, reducing the risk of any untoward experience for them. While driver-partners can save on their calling costs, we will be able to closely monitor drivers behavior and conversations, resulting in a superior experience for users," Ola COO Pranay Jivrajka said.

You’ve reached your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories

  • Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 19 2015 | 2:32 PM IST

3 out of 5 articles left

Subscribe for unlimited access
Subscribe Now