Safe and Private Rides

Summary#

This bill requires transportation network companies (TNCs) — the app-based services that connect riders to drivers — to tell passengers when a driver’s motor vehicle has a camera that records video of passengers. Drivers must register any passenger-facing camera with the TNC. TNCs must notify riders about registered cameras and offer a clear way in the app to opt out of riding in vehicles with cameras. The bill limits when a TNC may keep or share passenger recordings: only to report criminal activity, for insurance purposes, or to check compliance with the company’s terms of service. It also requires TNCs to provide an easy way for customers to report being recorded without notice or being matched with a camera-equipped driver after they opted out. If a company follows the bill’s registration, notice, and opt-out steps, the company is not liable for a driver’s violations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce the law as an unfair or deceptive practice under its existing authority. The rules take effect 180 days after the law is enacted. The bill defines key terms and excludes certain noncommercial carpooling and some government or nonprofit transit services.

What it means for you#

  • Riders: You should see a clear notice in the app when a driver’s vehicle has a camera that records passengers, and you will be able to opt out of being matched with such vehicles through app settings or an accessible option. You can revoke consent and report if you were recorded without notice or matched with a camera-equipped driver after opting out.
  • Drivers: If you use a camera that records passengers, you must register that camera with the TNC. Recordings may only be kept or shared for the limited reasons the bill allows.
  • Companies: TNCs must implement registration, notification, opt-out features, reporting mechanisms, and procedures to handle violations. If they comply with these requirements, they are protected from liability for a driver’s breach.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s stated purpose is to require notice when drivers have passenger-facing cameras and to give customers an opportunity to opt out of riding in vehicles with cameras. Sponsors introduced it to create those notice and opt-out requirements and to limit retention and transfer of passenger recordings.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.