On 21st June 2017, at about 4.35 pm, I booked a Grab share car from Sengkang to Punggol. I was picked up first, followed by the next passenger, a lady.
On the way to my drop off point, i looked up above and saw a video recording camera located at the top left hand corner of the vehicle facing in the direction of the customers.
I was shocked because this is an invasion/intrusion of privacy. I am a paying customer. I do not appreciate such free recording service.
As i considered, what became apparent to me was that ladies will be very vulnerable to this video recording. Imagine if a lady was sitting in the front passenger seat. If she was wearing a low cut blouse, her cleavage and more will be recorded. How about if a lady was sitting in the rear passenger seat behind the driver? If the lady was wearing a short skirt, the video would be recording her legs and more.
I remember, several years ago, a particular taxi company wanted to install a similar video recording device. LTA, the regulatory authority, disallowed it on concerns over privacy issues.
When i alighted from the vehicle, i sent an immediate written feedback (via the app) to Grab asking them to explain why is a there a video camera facing the passenger. A minute later i called the hotline and explained the situation to the customer service officer. The officer said that such practise is disallowed and he will put up a report and that the supervisor will get in touch with me. Sad to say no supervisor called me.
In response to my earlier feedback via the app, i got the following reply:
Reply from Grab
Jun 21, 23:46
Please be advised that the camera inside the vehicle is also used to protect the driver from any sort of harrassment from the passengers.
We will take the necessary measures to educate the driver on using this inward facing camera in his vehicle.
I replied:
Jun 21, 18:27
Thank you for your quick rely. I had also called to your office and made a complaint.
You have given a standard reply. This is not acceptable.
I need you to tell me what actions you will be taking against the said driver.
This is a very serious matter/offence. Imagine girls getting video recorded ?
Reply from Grab
Jun 21, 23:46
Please be advised that the camera inside the vehicle is also used to protect the driver from any sort of harrassment from the passengers.
We will take the necessary measures to educate the driver on using this inward facing camera in his vehicle.
I replied:
Jun 22, 05:19
So you are saying that the driver is not wrong in having a video camera facing the passengers?
Reply from Grab
Jun 22, 23:04
The driver is allowed to have the camera installed in his vehicle to protect himself from any allegations or abuse.
We will take the necessary steps to educate the driver that the camera is only supposed to be used for these purposes.
I am truly amazed at such response from Grab office, Mr Mohame??hofi?
I guess then, that this is GRAB official policy that their Grab Drivers can record passengers in their car.
Imagine a video recording of all the girls being stored in that drivers pc which he then can view at his own time and pleasure? As it is people have been caught video recoding girls on the escalators, in the toilets, changing room, etc. Now a pevert can join Grab as a driver to video record girls to his heart content. A girl recorded in a comprising position might have her video posted all over the internet.
I am also amused by the Grab officer, Mr Mohame? ?hofi? statement that “We will take the necessary steps to educate the driver”. I wonder what does that mean? How do you educate? You hold training classes or perhaps you inspect the drivers home pc or his mobile phone to ensure he does not have recordings of his customers? What concrete assurance can Grab give that the video recording would not be misused?
The regulatory authority for Taxis is LTA. Who is the regulatory authority for such Private Vehicle Driver Car? Can they please advise !
So to my lady friends, couples who want their relationship kept secret, please check such cars and confirm that there is no such recording device, to ensure your privacy.
I hate to bring up such issues in the media, but i have to because of the response from Mr Mohame? ?hofi?. Customers should be aware of such recordings and then they should then make the choice as to whether to carry on with the trip.
However i must also add, that beside this incident and few others, i have greatly enjoyed my rides with Grab. Their fare is inexpensive and the drivers are generally friendly. And so i say, enjoy it while it lasts !!!
photo image of video camera attached.
Name of Driver : Leo? Yok? We?
Car License : SL? 59? C
Model : Toyota Prius.
Thank you