Uber just launched live video streaming for teen rides. Here's how to use it.
Uber launches a live-stream feature, letting guardians view trips, as the company addresses safety concerns.
Uber is set to introduce a live video streaming feature for rides shared by teens, according to a recent announcement. This new app feature allows parents to monitor their teenagers' journeys in real-time. The company has been under scrutiny regarding rider safety, and the live-streaming option aims to provide an added layer of reassurance for concerned parents.
By utilizing the rear-facing camera on Uber drivers' phones, guardians can view a live video of their teen's trip, ensuring a secure and transparent journey. The live video is accessible once the teen and their guardian are registered in the Uber app, and a notification is sent to both parties when the livestream begins. The feature is currently being piloted in nine US cities, including Atlanta, Phoenix, and San Antonio, and is expected to expand nationwide in the coming weeks.
Teen accounts were launched by Uber in 2023, resulting in tens of millions of trips completed through the platform. Despite concerns about rider safety, Uber has implemented other safety measures for teen users, such as optional audio recording. As the number of teenagers obtaining driver's licenses has decreased in recent years, some are opting for ride-hailing services like Uber.
Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, attributes this trend to the shift away from purchasing first cars for teenagers.
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