Waymo has confirmed that it has no intentions of utilizing footage from cameras inside its robotaxis for training artificial intelligence models related to targeted advertising, according to spokesperson Julia Ilina in a statement to Technology News.
Ilina’s comments came in response to a leaked draft of Waymo’s privacy policy, which suggested that customers might have the option to opt-out of using their “personal information,” including data from “interior cameras associated with rider’s identity,” for training generative AI models. This information, which could be used for a range of purposes including advertisements, was brought to light by security researcher Jane Manchun Wong, who had previously exposed Waymo’s plans for a tipping feature.
The image shared by Wong was from an unpublished app page that, according to Ilina, “contains placeholder text that doesn’t accurately reflect the feature’s purpose.”
Ilina added, “The feature is still in development and will not alter Waymo’s Privacy Policy. Instead, it will provide riders with the ability to opt-out of data collection for machine learning training purposes.”
Operating in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin, Waymo’s robotaxis are equipped with in-car cameras that monitor passengers while they travel alone. These cameras are in place to ensure passenger safety and to oversee the vehicle’s condition. The data captured aids in tracking lost items, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring that passengers adhere to riding guidelines.
“Still under development”
According to Ilina, “Waymo’s machine learning systems are not designed to use this data for identifying specific individuals, and there are no plans to utilize this data for targeted advertising.”
However, the demand for data has surged among tech companies aiming to enhance their generative AI models for applications like chatbots and image generators. Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, which also manages Google and its Gemini products, employs generative AI for its own research and development initiatives, as noted in a prior blog post.
Concerns regarding privacy and data usage have naturally surfaced in relation to Waymo’s operations. Most customers would likely oppose any usage of their images without consent for AI training intended for commercial purposes. Fortunately, Waymo has reassured users that it has no plans to pursue such practices and is providing the option to decline participation. This commitment to user privacy is essential as the technology evolves.
