Mexico. The transport platform, DiDi, announced the installation of 2,000 security cameras for drivers' vehicles registered in the application in Mexico City, in order to reinforce the protection of drivers and passengers with real-time monitoring and assistance from the brand's support security team.
The requirements to obtain a security camera in vehicles are that the driver has started using DiDi Conductor more than three months ago, minimum 4.5 stars rating, have no negative balance, drive at least 20 hours a week; if they are met, the option will appear in the DiDi Security Center in the app.
In 2020, the company had announced the launch of a pilot project in Guadalajara, with 900 drivers, when at that time, Richard Farr, current general manager of the company commented: "For the first time in our country a project of this type is developed with a double purpose: to inhibit criminal acts against drivers and passengers, and obtain images with DiDi Support that can serve as evidence in any investigation, when requested by the competent authorities."
The transport platform explained that the security cameras have a compact design and a hidden security button – easily accessible to the driver – which will alert the specialized security team of DiDi Support, which will begin an immediate assessment of the situation and proceed to take one of the following actions:
*Communicate through the security camera speaker for support.
*Follow up through live streaming.
* Generate evidence of incidents through the content of the cameras.
Via a Wi-Fi® link, the security camera will be linked to the driver's phone. When drivers connect to the platform for the first time in the day, they will be able to turn on the camera in the app and make sure it is working and recording properly. Once this verification is done, they will be able to start receiving trips. In case the camera turns off, DiDi Support will receive a notification and take action to check the travel situation. Similarly, the cameras are equipped with night vision and a wide-angle lens that allows all occupants of the vehicle to be framed.
DiDi also pointed out that the security cameras are developed to work exclusively through the brand's platform, so they cannot be used outside of the trips requested through the app. The captured images will be transmitted through the cell phone – they will not be stored in it – and in compliance with the legal framework on privacy and confidentiality of personal data, only a specialized DiDi team will have access to the recordings through a security report generated on the platform, or by an official request from the authorities.
