New feature on the Ola app keeps user's contact numbers private

With this, calls made by the driver-partners can be traced by Ola from archived recordings at all times. The Number Masking feature is active for driver-partners in all cities where Ola operates.

To enable Number Masking and traceability of calls, Ola has integrated a cloud telephony solution, which sends an encrypted number to the driver, whenever a customer books a cab and all further communication from the driver is channelled through this number.

Drivers, when they attempt to call the customer from their Ola device, shall not see the customer's mobile number but will automatically be routed through an encrypted number to the customer. With this, driver-partners will not bear the cost of calls made to customers, since they would now be routed directly through the device.

This is a first of its kind step in the industry towards ensuring complete privacy of user's contact details.

Pranay Jivrajka, Chief Operating Officer, Ola said, “Millions of customers use the Ola app as their preferred choice to access a wide range of personal transportation options every day. As a technology platform, we are committed to bringing scalable and sustainable programs to ensure that user safety and security is always above everything else. 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 driver behaviour and conversations, resulting in a superior experience for users."

The new features come on the back of Ola’s commitment to allocate $ 20mn for safety initiatives over this year. All driver-partners on the Ola platform are verified and licensed by the local authorities. They have to necessarily undergo the mandatory training at the time of on-boarding and subsequent feedback driven training from time to time.