Uber Launches Live Video Streaming Feature for Teen Users

On Tuesday, Uber announced the debut of a new live video streaming feature aimed at enabling parents to keep an eye on their children’s safety during rides. The company intends to extend this feature nationwide across the U.S. in the upcoming weeks.

This innovative streaming functionality leverages the driver’s selfie camera to deliver the video feed. Once the ride commences, the parent or guardian connected to the teen’s account will receive a notification as soon as the video stream is accessible. If they choose to view the stream, both the driver and the teen will be notified.

Uber specifies that only parent or guardian accounts associated with the teen’s profile are authorized to access the live stream. Those traveling with the teen cannot opt out of being visible in the live feed.

Once the ride is completed, access to the video is terminated for all parties involved, including the driver, the teen, and their parent or guardian. While Uber claims that the video is “encrypted,” it is unclear if it is end-to-end encrypted, which would prevent Uber from accessing the recording. An Uber representative did not provide further details when approached by TechCrunch.

The feature is currently active in nine locations, including Atlanta, Cleveland, and Rhode Island, with plans to expand to the entire United States in the coming weeks.

Uber first introduced teen accounts in the U.S. in 2023 and has since broadened this feature to over 50 countries.