Uber lets parents watch live video from driver cameras during teen rides

The update

Uber is rolling out a new safety feature for teen accounts that lets parents watch a live video feed from a driver’s selfie camera during a ride. When a teen is taking a trip, a linked guardian receives a push notification if the live feed is available. The driver is prompted to mount their phone for a clear view of the back seat. The parent or guardian can start watching with a tap, and both the teen and driver are notified. The feed ends when the trip ends.

Why it matters

This feature aims to give parents peace of mind regarding their teen’s safety during rides. It addresses concerns about ride-hail safety by providing a direct line of sight into the vehicle. However, it also raises immediate questions about driver privacy and consent. The company states that only the linked guardian can view the stream and that the video is encrypted.

What to watch

Drivers may be concerned about being recorded while working. It is unclear if drivers can opt out of this feature or if they are fully aware they are being recorded. There are also questions about how Uber will handle cases where a parent abuses the live video feed. The company says recordings are encrypted and automatically deleted after 14 days unless a safety report is submitted.

Sources

• engadget.com — Core feature details, pilot locations, data retention policy
• theverge.com — Driver notification process, privacy assurances, context on teen accounts