Uber Introduces Feature for Parents to Monitor Teens via Driver Selfie Cameras

Uber is enhancing its teen account feature, enabling parents to utilize the selfie cameras on drivers’ phones to monitor their teenage children during rides. Since the introduction of teen accounts in 2023, Uber has highlighted various ways for parents to stay informed, including PIN verification and live GPS tracking. Now, parents can also access live video of the ride in real-time through the driver’s selfie camera feed. After successful testing in select markets, this feature is set to launch nationwide in the coming weeks.

Drivers who agree to transport underage passengers will be prompted to grant parents temporary access to their selfie cameras. If they consent, the parent or guardian linked to the teen’s account will receive a push notification when the live video is available. Both the teen and the driver will be notified if the parent is watching. The live video feed will automatically cease once the ride concludes.

Uber emphasizes that security and privacy are paramount, stating that only the linked parent or guardian can view the live video during the trip. The video is encrypted, ensuring that the driver, guardian, and teen cannot access the recording after the ride ends.

This move acknowledges that many parents may still have concerns about their teens navigating the world, particularly with ongoing worries about ride-hailing safety. Uber is currently dealing with over 4,000 active lawsuits related to sexual assault and misconduct filed by passengers, many involving allegations against drivers. The company has stated that drivers must maintain high ratings and clean safety records to qualify for teen rides.

This isn’t the first instance of Uber requesting access to drivers’ selfie cameras. If a driver activates the optional Record My Ride feature, the app will use the front-facing camera and microphone to automatically record the trip. Uber notes that it cannot view these recordings unless the driver opts to upload them when submitting a safety report.