Waymo has begun using automated internal monitoring to detect prohibited items, such as firearms, and report potential violations directly to law enforcement. In early September, the company initiated a police response after its system flagged a firearm inside a vehicle in Los Angeles, leading to the arrest of two teenagers.
The company employs internal cameras to enforce its terms of service, which prohibit weapons, toy guns, and illegal activities. While Waymo states that it may share data with authorities to ensure safety or comply with legal requirements, it does not explicitly disclose to riders that its automated systems can trigger direct police intervention.
Experts note that computer vision systems are not always accurate, and remote human reviewers may lack the full context of a ride to distinguish between real threats and harmless objects. Previously, Waymo reported teens for underage drinking and using a toy water-bead gun, though it remains unclear if charges were filed in that instance.
Waymo maintains a team of approximately 70 remote assistance agents who provide support to vehicles, though the company has not confirmed if these agents are responsible for reviewing automated alerts. Privacy advocates argue that the company's current policies are overly broad and fail to clearly inform passengers about the extent of in-car surveillance.
