A new bipartisan bill aims to protect your privacy when catching an Uber or Lyft by requiring drivers to disclose if they’re recording you during your ride.
At a Glance
- Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Sen. Peter Welch introduced the Safe and Private Rides Act
- The bill requires rideshare companies to notify passengers if they are being recorded in vehicles
- Passengers would be allowed to opt out of rides with drivers using dashcams
- The Federal Trade Commission would enforce these new privacy requirements
- The legislation responds to increasing concerns about undisclosed recording in rideshare vehicles
Bipartisan Bill Targets Rideshare Privacy Concerns
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont have joined forces to address a growing privacy concern for millions of Americans who use rideshare services. Their newly introduced Safe and Private Rides Act would require companies like Uber and Lyft to implement measures ensuring passengers know when they’re being recorded during rides and giving them control over their privacy.
The legislation directly addresses the increasingly common practice of rideshare drivers installing dashcams in their vehicles, sometimes without passengers’ knowledge. Under the proposed law, companies would be required to notify users when drivers are recording their trips, and importantly, allow passengers to decline rides with recording devices present.
Growing Concern Over Undisclosed Recordings
The bill comes in response to a troubling trend where footage from rideshare vehicles has appeared online without passengers’ consent. Some drivers have been posting recordings of their passengers on social media platforms, creating situations where private conversations and moments are exposed to public viewing without the riders’ knowledge or permission.
While many drivers legitimately use dashcams for their own safety and protection, the senators emphasize that this shouldn’t come at the expense of passenger privacy. The legislation strikes a balance by not prohibiting recording devices outright but instead focusing on transparency and informed consent.
FTC Enforcement and Implementation
Under the Safe and Private Rides Act, the Federal Trade Commission would be tasked with enforcing the new requirements. The commission would work to ensure that rideshare companies properly implement notification systems and honor passengers’ preferences regarding recorded rides.
The proposed legislation also encourages the FTC to establish clear privacy protocols that would protect consumers while using these increasingly essential transportation services. With millions of Americans using rideshare services daily, the senators argue these protections are necessary to maintain trust in the platforms.
Building Trust in Digital Transportation Services
The bipartisan nature of this legislation highlights how privacy concerns cross political lines. As rideshare services have become integral to daily transportation for many Americans, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers recognize the importance of creating guardrails that protect consumer privacy while allowing these digital platforms to operate effectively.
By requiring transparency about recording practices and giving passengers control over their participation, the bill aims to strengthen trust between rideshare companies, drivers, and passengers. This approach acknowledges the legitimate safety needs of drivers while respecting the privacy expectations of customers.
Next Steps for the Legislation
The Safe and Private Rides Act now faces the standard legislative process, including committee review and potential amendments before any floor vote. As it moves forward, the bill may attract additional sponsors from both parties, particularly as concerns about digital privacy continue to gain traction with voters across the political spectrum.
If passed, rideshare companies would need to update their apps and driver requirements to comply with the new transparency and consent provisions. The legislation represents another step in the ongoing effort to adapt traditional consumer protections to the realities of the digital economy and platform-based services.
