Uber Now Lets Parents Peek In on Teens via Drivers' Selfie Cameras

Uber is ramping up its teen account safety toolkit by giving parents the option to use in-car selfie cameras on drivers’ phones to check on their kids mid-trip. Since introducing teen accounts back in 2023, the ride-hail giant has promoted features like PIN codes and real-time GPS tracking, but this new camera-based check-in adds a visual layer to the monitoring toolbox.

According to Uber, the feature is designed for peace of mind, allowing parents to see the car’s interior and confirm their teen is riding safely. The company frames it as a proactive safety measure, though it raises privacy questions for both drivers and passengers. The update is rolling out as part of Uber’s ongoing push to tailor its platform to younger riders.

Drivers, who already use selfie verification to log into the app, will have their cameras activated only during teen trips when a parent requests a check-in. Uber says the practice is optional and clearly communicated to drivers in advance. Critics, however, are wary of the precedent this sets for constant surveillance in what should be a private space.

For now, the feature is exclusive to teen accounts, and Uber has not announced plans to expand it to adult rides. The company believes the visual confirmation will complement existing safety tools, giving families a more complete picture of their child’s journey without requiring constant phone-side monitoring.