Uber cab rape: Cyber crime experts call for guidelines for apps

Following the rape of a 25-year-old woman MNC employee by a radio cab driver in north Delhi's Sarai Rohilla late on Friday, cyber security experts say the government should put forth certain guidelines for such mobile applications.

"Uber is an international brand and it appears it did not do a background check on the driver. If the driver had switched off his GPS, as alleged, or gone in a different direction, Uber should have called the police immediately," said cyber security consultant Vijay Mukhi.

"I am surprised as to why this incident happened in the first place. There is no cyber crime here, possibly more of a technology malfunction, or maybe the technology worked, but Uber officials were ignorant. The government should take action if Uber doesn't do proper verification of drivers. The agency should also ensure that GPS works round the clock."

Uber, on its website, says it connects people who need a ride with cars, meaning drivers on Uber system are independent contractors. "We conduct a rigorous screening process to verify that every driver is insured and legally qualified to drive," the website says.