Mario Nawfal, founder of IBC Investment Group, expressed concerns over a proposed bill in Colorado that mandates audio and video recording of all rides. He described it as a significant privacy risk and financial burden without proven safety benefits.
"UBER THREATENS TO ABANDON COLORADO OVER "RECORD EVERY PASSENGER" BILL," said Nawfal. "Uber is warning it might pull out of Colorado if a new rider safety bill becomes law. The bill would force drivers to record every ride with continuous audio and video — and Uber says that's a privacy nightmare with zero proven safety benefit. The company blasted the proposal as "deeply flawed" and a "major technical and financial burden" that could kill its operations in the state. Colorado's Senate will review the bill Friday. Uber's message? Fix it, or we're out."
Uber has indicated its intention to cease operations in Colorado if House Bill 1291 is enacted. The company argues that the bill's mandates are unworkable and threaten its operational viability in the state. The legislation aims to enhance rideshare safety through requirements such as twice-yearly background checks, mandatory investigation of driver complaints, and audio/video recording of every ride. Uber contends that these measures undermine its existing safety protocols and present serious privacy, legal, and logistical challenges, particularly concerning forced recordings and a new private right of action. While Lyft has expressed hope for reaching a compromise, both companies assert that the bill in its current form would have severe negative impacts on riders, drivers, and overall operations.
Nawfal's April 25 statement
| X.com
According to an analysis by the R-Street Institute, Colorado’s HB1291 imposes excessive regulations under the guise of public safety measures. These regulations could potentially harm the state's economy, consumer choice, and civil liberties. The bill's requirements include fingerprint-based background checks and audio/video recording of rides—measures deemed unnecessary with potential privacy violations. Such mandates may reduce driver availability, increase costs for riders, and disproportionately affect low-income and minority workers. Similar policies have previously led to rideshare companies withdrawing from cities like Austin, Texas.
The Common Sense Institute of Colorado also analyzed HB 1291's economic implications. Their findings suggest that approximately 34,900 rideshare drivers currently earn an estimated $745 million annually in Colorado. The sector significantly contributes to employment and consumer mobility. However, the bill’s mandates—particularly regarding ride recordings and increased liability—could force companies out of the market. This could result in 46,027 fewer jobs, a $4.7 billion reduction in GDP, and a $7.7 billion decline in business output by 2030. Additionally, rideshare services have been linked to a notable decrease in DUI arrests across Colorado.
Mario Nawfal is an entrepreneur who has founded multiple companies including IBC Group Ltd., Athena Group Ltd., and NFT Technologies Inc., leading ventures across blockchain consulting and growth hacking industries.