Uber launches new live video feature to monitor teen riders

Parents will soon be able to remotely access Uber drivers' phone cameras to monitor their teen riders.

The new safety feature, announced Aug.

25, expands on existing parental controls through the ride sharing giant's teen accounts .

When available, parents can choose to "check in" on their teen's ride using the driver's on-device camera and mic.

Both the teen rider and the Uber driver are notified when live streaming is turned on, according to the company, and streams end as soon as rides are completed.

SEE ALSO: New Zealand to ban social media for kids under 16 In a statement to Mashable, Uber further clarified that live video is only accessible if the Uber driver has turned on the company's Record My Ride feature and enabled live streaming.

Apart from a front-facing camera and microphone, there are no specific device requirements for drivers eligible for teen rides choosing to activate live streaming.

Drivers can opt out at any time by turning off live video on their account.

The app will notify a parent if live streaming is paused due to an unstable connection or technical error, Uber said.

In addition, only linked accounts can view live streams during an active trip.

Teens have already had the option to turn on audio recording during their trips.

Similar to the app's audio recording feature, Uber says live streams remain encrypted, so videos cannot be viewed by parents, teens, or drivers after a trip is complete.

Credit: Uber Credit: Uber Uber launched teen accounts for riders aged 13-17 in 2023, offering default safety features and trip monitoring for guardians on family accounts.

The company has partnered with the National PTA, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the live tracking app Life360.