Uber is enhancing its Teen Accounts with a new live video streaming feature, enabling linked parents or guardians to monitor their teen's rides. The functionality, which is now live in nine U.S. markets, utilizes the front-facing camera on the driver's smartphone to provide a live feed.
This feature allows parents to see their teen inside the vehicle during an active trip. When a ride begins and live video is enabled by the driver, a push notification is sent to the parent or guardian. Upon tapping the notification, they can access the live feed. Both the teen and the driver are alerted when a parent starts watching the stream, ensuring transparency.
Uber stated that only the parent or guardian linked to the teen's account can view the live video during the trip. The company also clarified that it cannot access the live video feed in real time. The feature is currently available in Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, Portland, Oregon, San Antonio, Cleveland, Rhode Island, and El Paso. A nationwide rollout is planned for the coming weeks, though its availability also depends on drivers enabling the feature.
Regarding post-ride privacy, Uber explained that the live video is encrypted. The driver, the teen, and the linked parent or guardian all lose access to the feed once the ride concludes. However, encrypted recordings are retained on Uber's servers for up to 14 days. Uber may access the decryption key only if the recording becomes part of a safety investigation. If a file is used in a safety-related report, it will be kept according to Uber's data retention policies. Parents cannot rewatch past trips.
Uber launched Teen Accounts in 2023 to provide teens with more independence while maintaining a connection to a parent or guardian. The live video functionality builds upon existing safety tools such as live trip tracking and PIN verification, and previously offered audio recording. The company indicated that Teen Accounts were developed based on feedback from parents and drivers and are now used for millions of trips annually across more than 50 countries.
Parents are advised to discuss the use of the live video feature with their teens and to establish expectations regarding when it will be utilized. It is also recommended to continue using other safety features like live trip tracking and PIN verification when available. Uber also reminds users to verify driver and vehicle details before a teen enters the car and to encourage teens to trust their instincts if a situation feels unsafe.