Natasha Burke, a policy consultant with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado, expressed concerns regarding House Bill 25-1291. She said that the bill undermines privacy rights by mandating data collection from consumers without adhering to consent standards. Burke's statement was made during ACLU Colorado’s testimony at the Colorado Supreme Court.
"Data privacy is also a paramount concern of ours from this legislation," said Burke. "This bill requires mandatory audio and video recording of every ride. It would leave TNC companies with the impossible task of deciding which state law to follow. The decision of that collection and processing should be up to the consumer not the state."
Colorado House Bill 25-1291 proposes mandatory audio and video recording for all rides arranged through transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft. According to the Colorado General Assembly, audio recording would commence in January 2026, followed by video recording in July 2026. The bill also introduces new restrictions on drivers offering food or drink and enforces stricter background checks. As reported by KKTV News, Uber has threatened to exit the Colorado market if the bill is enacted. The bill remains under Senate consideration as of May 1, 2025.
According to a 2023 Deloitte Insights report, 60% of U.S. consumers surveyed expressed concern about their personal data's vulnerability to hackers via mobile devices. An equal percentage feared being tracked by companies or individuals using their devices, underscoring growing unease around data privacy in transportation and other mobile applications. These concerns have increased compared to prior years, indicating a sustained upward trend.
Uber has warned Colorado legislative leaders that House Bill 25-1291—the TNC Consumer Protection Bill—could compel the company to cease operations statewide. In a letter addressed to Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Uber said that the bill’s requirements for continuous audio and video recording of rides, along with a broad private right of action (PRA) for minor or technical violations, are unworkable and would expose both the company and its drivers to excessive litigation. The company also objected to the bill’s ban on arbitration agreements, arguing it violates federal law and long-standing court precedent.
Burke is a professional lobbyist representing the ACLU of Colorado. According to the Colorado Secretary of State's Lobbyist Directory, she is registered as a professional lobbyist with the ACLU of Colorado, located at 303 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203. Her role involves advocating for civil liberties and policy reforms in the state legislature, aligning with the ACLU's mission to protect and extend civil rights. Her registration details are publicly available through the Colorado Secretary of State's office.