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 the option to opt out of riding in such vehicles. It also restricts how recordings can be used and establishes 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 of registered cameras, and create a process for violations. Companies must provide clear notice on their app when a driver's vehicle has such a camera and give customers an opportunity to opt out of riding in vehicles with cameras. Companies cannot retain or transfer passenger recordings except for reporting crime, insurance, or enforcing terms of service. They must also create a mechanism for passengers to 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 allow customers to revoke consent through an accessible mechanism, display the opt-out option clearly in app settings, provide an opt-out independent of agreeing to terms of service, and only infer a decision to opt out based on a direct action that a reasonable person would see as an affirmative revocation.

Sec. 2(c), Limitation of liability: A transportation network company that complies with the above requirements is not liable for a driver who otherwise violates them.

Sec. 2(d), Enforcement by the Commission: A violation of this Act is treated as an unfair or deceptive act under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Federal Trade Commission enforces this Act with the same powers and penalties as under that Act.

Sec. 2(e), Effective date: The requirements take effect 180 days after enactment.

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