Uber is introducing a new safety feature that allows parents and guardians to view live video from inside a vehicle while their teenager is taking an Uber ride.
The feature uses the front-facing camera on the driver’s smartphone to stream a view of the vehicle during eligible teen trips. Uber says the added visibility is designed to give families another layer of reassurance beyond the location tracking already available through the app.
When livestreaming is available, the parent or guardian connected to the teen’s account receives a notification. Drivers may also be asked to position their phone so the camera can capture the back-seat area. If a parent begins viewing the livestream, both the teen and driver are notified, preventing the feature from being used for secret monitoring.
According to Uber, only the parent or guardian linked to the teen’s account can view the live feed. Drivers can decide whether to make livestreaming available, while parents can choose whether they want to watch.
Privacy Questions Surround Uber’s Teen Video Feature
The new safety tool is also raising questions about privacy and control over the footage. It remains unclear whether teenagers can independently opt out of being livestreamed once the feature has been enabled. Other passengers traveling with the teen may also have limited control over whether they appear on camera.
Uber says parents, teens, and drivers cannot access the video recording after the ride ends. The company stores the recording in encrypted form and says it can be reviewed by Uber if a safety incident is reported and an investigation is required.
While live video could provide parents with additional confidence when their teenagers use rideshare services, the feature highlights a broader privacy issue: how companies balance increased safety monitoring with passengers’ expectations of privacy and control over their personal data.