Uber launches new live video feature to monitor teen riders

Uber has introduced a new live video feature to enhance safety for its teen riders, announced on August 25. This feature builds upon existing parental controls for Uber's teen accounts, enabling parents to monitor their teen's ride using the driver's on-device camera and microphone. Both the teen rider and the Uber driver are notified when live streaming is activated, and the stream concludes once the ride is finished.

For live video to be accessible, the Uber driver must have enabled the company's Record My Ride feature and allowed live streaming. No specific device requirements exist for eligible drivers opting into live streaming. Drivers can deactivate live streaming at any time. Parents will be informed if live streaming is paused due to a poor connection or technical glitch. Live streams are encrypted, ensuring they cannot be viewed by parents, teens, or drivers after the trip concludes.

Uber launched teen accounts in 2023, providing default safety features and trip monitoring for guardians. The company has collaborated with the National PTA, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the live tracking app Life360. These teen accounts have been extended to Uber Eats, enabling teens to request food deliveries via their supervised accounts.

Despite facing accusations of failing to prevent sexual assault and violent incidents, Uber has recently implemented stricter background checks and permanent bans for offending drivers. Live video is currently being tested in several cities across the U.S. and will be rolled out nationwide in the coming weeks.