Safe and Private Rides Act

This bill requires transportation network companies (like ride-hailing apps) to notify customers when a driver has a camera in their vehicle that records passengers, and to give customers a way to opt out of riding in such vehicles. It also restricts how recordings can be used and sets enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.

Sec. 2, Requirements for transportation network companies pertaining to cameras in motor vehicles: The bill requires transportation network companies to have drivers register any camera that records passengers, notify passengers about registered cameras, and create a process for violations. Companies must give customers clear notice on the app when a driver has a camera and an option to opt out of riding in vehicles with cameras. Recordings cannot be kept or shared except for reporting crime, insurance, or enforcing terms of service. Companies must also let passengers report being recorded without notice or being matched with a camera-equipped vehicle after opting out.

Sec. 2(b), Standards for the opportunity to opt out: Companies must let customers revoke consent through an easy-to-use mechanism, display the opt-out option clearly in app settings, keep the opt-out separate from agreeing to terms of service, and only infer opt-out from a direct action that a reasonable person would see as affirmative revocation.

Sec. 2(c), Limitation of liability: A company that follows the rules is not liable for a driver who violates them.

Sec. 2(d), Enforcement by the Commission: Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive acts under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Federal Trade Commission enforces this bill with the same powers and penalties as that Act.

Sec. 2(e), Effective date: The requirements take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Sec. 2(f), Definitions: Defines 'Commission' as the Federal Trade Commission, 'motor vehicle' as a vehicle with at least 4 wheels made for public roads (not rail vehicles), and 'transportation network company' as an entity using a digital network to connect customers with drivers for transportation, excluding shared-expense carpools or vanpools not for profit, and microtransit or dedicated services for government, nonprofits, or third parties.