Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving unit, is preparing to use data from its robotaxi operations — including footage from interior cameras tied to rider identities — to train generative AI models, according to a draft privacy policy uncovered by independent researcher Jane Manchun Wong.
The proposed update also indicates that Waymo may use this data to tailor advertising and personalized services, a move that could raise privacy concerns as robotaxi adoption scales. The draft policy states: “Waymo may share data to improve and analyze its functionality and to tailor products, services, ads, and offers to your interests. You can opt out of sharing your information with third parties, unless it’s necessary to the functioning of the service.”
See also: Waymo Holds Lead Over Tesla in Robotaxi Race, Says Former CEO
Waymo is working on Generative AI training using “interior camera data associated with rider’s identity,” provides opt-opts for this and data sharing under CCPA
Waymo explicitly states in this unreleased Privacy page it may share your data for personalized ads pic.twitter.com/wDUu867Eh3
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 5, 2025
The language is similar to many modern tech privacy statements, but the inclusion of in-vehicle camera data connected to personal identity has drawn scrutiny. Riders would be able to opt out of having their personal information — including data from interior cameras — used for training AI models. However, the policy does not clarify what specific camera data may be collected or how it might be used in generative AI systems.
It also remains unclear whether the data will be kept within Waymo or shared with other Alphabet subsidiaries, such as Google or DeepMind, for AI development. Waymo has not publicly addressed the draft language. TechCrunch reported it had reached out to the company for comment but received no response at the time of publication.
See also: Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to More Areas in Silicon Valley
Waymo currently operates paid robotaxi services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin. As of February, the company was conducting more than 200,000 weekly rides, a significant increase from 10,000 weekly rides two years earlier. The company plans to expand into Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C., over the next two years.
Despite rising demand, Waymo has yet to turn a profit. Alphabet invested $5 billion into the division last year, while Waymo raised an additional $5.6 billion from outside investors, pushing its valuation above $45 billion. The unit remains under Alphabet’s “Other Bets” segment, which posted a $1.2 billion operating loss in 2024.
See also: Waymo Launches Fully Autonomous Ride Service in Austin via Uber App
The push to leverage user data for AI training and potential in-vehicle advertising may signal an attempt to diversify revenue as the company continues to invest in expansion and infrastructure.