Q: Is it legal to create or use a ride-sharing app for international students in U.S. where costs (not profits) are shared?
Is it legal to create or use a mobile app that facilitates ride-sharing among students in the U.S., specifically for international students, where the platform is designed solely for cost-sharing (e.g., splitting gas and toll expenses) and not for profit? The app would not display or facilitate monetary transactions but would provide a platform for users to arrange rides and share costs. What legal considerations should be addressed to ensure compliance with U.S. laws, both for the platform operator and F1 international student users, particularly in terms of immigration and labor regulations?
A:
You can build a cost-sharing ride app for international students if it functions strictly as an expense-splitting tool. This means that your platform should not display or facilitate profit-making transactions.
You will want to ensure that drivers only recoup shared costs like gas, tolls, or parking fees. You should address any state-specific rules about ride-sharing, including insurance obligations. F-1 students must confirm that they are not engaging in unauthorized work or generating income outside permissible practical training.
You may also consider disclaimers and clear terms of service that clarify the app’s limited scope. You would do well to keep meticulous records of how costs are split to avoid misunderstandings. It’s wise to remain cautious about changes in policy that might affect student visas. This type of platform should be carefully monitored to maintain compliance with U.S. labor and immigration laws.
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