US Senators Introduce Bill to Notify Ride-Hailing Passengers About Dashcams
In a move aimed at addressing privacy concerns, two US senators have proposed legislation that would compel ride-hailing companies, including Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc., to inform passengers if their assigned drivers are using dashcams. This bipartisan initiative, led by Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, also includes provisions for passengers to request a different driver should they prefer not to be recorded during their ride.
Dashcams have become increasingly common among Uber and Lyft drivers, primarily as a safety measure to document incidents such as carjackings, assaults, and robberies. Uber has been incorporating these devices into its network since 2019 to enhance security and facilitate dispute resolution. However, the growing use of such surveillance tools has sparked significant privacy debates.
Before the proposed bill can become law, it must pass through a US Senate committee and then secure approval from the full Senate. At this stage, the probability of its passage remains uncertain. Notably, this proposal marks the first federal attempt to regulate the use of dashcams in ride-hailing vehicles.
Current policies do not mandate Uber and Lyft drivers to register their dashcams on the companies' platforms. Nonetheless, Uber's website indicates that footage from these devices may be utilized as evidence by the company, law enforcement, and insurance agencies if issues arise during a ride.