Uber threatens to cease operations in Colorado
The popular ride-sharing app Uber is threatening to leave Colorado if legislation imposing new regulations is signed into law.
Why it matters: The company's exit would make it harder — and possibly more expensive — for hundreds of thousands of riders to find transportation and potentially put its 30,000 drivers out of business.
Driving the news: Uber warned riders and drivers about the potential impacts of House Bill 1291 via email Wednesday, asking them to contact the bill's sponsors about their concerns.
Zoom in: In its current form, the legislation would impose "impractical requirements" and violate rider's privacy, the company says. The new regulations would:
Require continuous audio and video recording of all rides with no opt out provision.
Prohibit drivers from offering riders water or other snacks.
Mandate criminal history checks every six months.
What they're saying:"We support real, evidence-based safety policy: not legislation that checks a box but fails to deliver. As written, this bill not only misses the mark — it risks doing more harm than good," Adam Blinick, senior director of U.S. and Canada policy and communications, said in a statement.
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