A disturbing story broke this week in which Uber and Lyft passengers second-guess their use of ride-sharing services. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch posted news that a local Uber and Lyft driver was live-streaming video of their customers without their knowledge or consent.
Some drivers use cameras (something often found in taxi company cars) as a safety measure, but the St. Louis driver shared the video online for onlookers to comment. His actions were legal in Missouri, a party recording consent state, but passengers were horrified to learn his every word and the actions inside the car were live-streamed to strangers.
While Lyft announced that it has disabled the driver and Uber said it has ended its relationship with him, we are all now very aware of the potential privacy issues surrounding cameras in ride-sharing cars. . The St. Louis driver is no different. Other Uber and Lyft drivers have done the same, though some had a practice of letting their passengers know first.
Hidden cameras can still be a problem, but there are some steps you can take to identify cameras used in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
what to see
The now-suspended St. Louis driver had a small sticker on his car warning passengers of the security cameras on board and telling them they were consenting to be recorded by entering the vehicle. The sticker didn’t mention the online broadcast aspect of the system, and passengers who spoke to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said they didn’t notice the sticker. Look for similar notices on any Uber or Lyft vehicle you plan to ride.
The next place to check is the Dashboard. Most of the camera systems will be mounted on the dash for the driver and the occupants to see. Don’t hesitate to talk to your driver before going inside and ask if there are any cameras operating in the car.
Uber’s official policy is to allow its drivers to install and use video cameras to “record riders for the purposes of safety”. It also warns drivers that local regulations may require them to fully disclose this and obtain consent. Lyft tells its drivers to follow the rules of their city and state when it comes to recording equipment. It says some locations may not allow recording devices, while others may require signage.
Read this before taking another Uber.
What to do
You can ask the driver if the cameras are for security use only or if the video is being transmitted for other purposes. If you feel comfortable with the reaction, you can choose to ride. Keep in mind that Uber or Lyft does not guarantee privacy and behave accordingly. This is not the time to spill personal secrets or vent about your boss.
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You can also ask the driver to turn off any camera. The driver may or may not choose to honor this request. Some drivers insist on cameras to protect themselves in the event of disputes or unruly passengers. If you are not comfortable, request another driver.
The live-streaming incident should make Uber and Lyft users more careful about ride-share use. Just remember that you can refuse a ride in an Uber or Lyft if you have privacy concerns about the cameras in the vehicle.
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