News Summary

Waymo is exploring the use of data from its robotaxis, including video from interior cameras associated with rider identities, to train generative AI models. This development surfaces from an unreleased version of a privacy policy found by researcher Jane Manchun Wong. The draft policy indicates that Waymo might also share this data to personalize advertisements, leading to questions about the implications for rider privacy. The privacy policy also offers riders the option to opt out of data sharing for generative AI training. As the sole autonomous vehicle company currently generating revenue from robotaxi rides in the U.S., Waymo handles over 200,000 rides weekly across cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin. Despite significant financial backing from Alphabet and other investors, Waymo continues to invest heavily in R&D and expansion, seeking new revenue streams like data sharing to potentially improve its financial standing.