Waymo’s AI Training Plans: What Riders Need to Know About Camera Data
Autonomous vehicle leader Waymo is exploring the use of interior camera footage—tied to rider identities—to train generative AI models, according to a draft privacy policy discovered by researcher Jane Manchun Wong. While this raises privacy considerations, the company confirms riders will retain control through opt-out options.
Key Developments in Waymo’s Data Policy
- AI Training with Camera Data: Unreleased policy language indicates Waymo may use identifiable interior footage for generative AI development.
- Advertising Personalization: Existing data-sharing practices for ad targeting will continue, with expanded transparency.
- User Control: Riders can opt out of data usage for AI training or third-party sharing under California’s CCPA regulations.
“The feature…will offer riders an opportunity to opt out of data collection for [machine learning] training purposes.”
— Julia Ilina, Waymo Spokesperson
How Waymo Uses Rider Data Today
The company currently collects personal information for:
- Safety enhancements
- Vehicle cleanliness monitoring
- Lost item recovery
- Emergency assistance
- Service improvement
Privacy Protections and Limitations
While the draft policy states data may be shared to “tailor products, services, ads, and offers,” Waymo emphasizes:
- No sharing with Alphabet companies without consent
- Data usage strictly follows published privacy policies
- Critical service functions may require necessary data sharing
The Bigger Picture for Waymo
As the only U.S. robotaxi service generating revenue (200,000+ weekly rides across four cities), Waymo faces significant financial pressures:
- Recent Investments: \(5B from Alphabet plus \)5.6B in external funding (2024)
- Expansion Costs: Growing fleets in Atlanta, Miami, and Washington D.C.
- Financial Reality: Part of Alphabet’s “Other Bets” reporting $1.2B operating losses (2024)
What Comes Next
Waymo hasn’t finalized how it will notify users about opt-out options when the feature launches. The company maintains all data practices will comply with its established privacy policy while exploring new technological applications.
Last updated April 7, 2025 | Originally published at 9:04 AM PT
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