Waymo may start using video from its robotaxi interior cameras — potentially linked to rider identities — to train generative AI models and personalize ads, according to a draft privacy policy uncovered by researcher Jane Manchun Wong and reported by TechCrunch.
The unpublished policy says Waymo may share data “to tailor products, services, ads, and offers,” and that riders can opt out of having their personal info used for AI training. However, the inclusion of interior camera footage raises fresh concerns about privacy in autonomous vehicles.
It’s unclear exactly what kind of data is being collected — such as facial expressions or body language — or whether it’s being used by Waymo alone or shared with other Alphabet-owned AI teams like Google or DeepMind.
Tesla vehicles have an in-car cabin camera but all data stays locally and is not sent back to the company’s servers. Can you imagine Tesla selling in-car cabin camera data to train AI and target ads?
Waymo, the only U.S. robotaxi company generating revenue from paid rides, currently logs over 200,000 weekly trips in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. It plans to expand into Atlanta, Miami, and D.C. within two years.
Despite growth, Waymo still operates at a loss. Alphabet invested $5 billion into the company last year, and outside investors added $5.6 billion more, valuing it at $45 billion. Analysts suggest the company may be exploring new revenue sources — such as in-car ads and data monetization — to reduce its billion-dollar losses.
