Waymo may use interior camera data to train generative AI models, but riders will be able to opt out

Summary

Waymo is preparing to use data from its robotaxis, including video from interior cameras tied to rider identities, to train generative AI models, according to an unreleased version of its privacy policy found by researcher Jane Manchun Wong, raising fresh questions about how much of a rider’s behavior inside autonomous vehicles could be repurposed for AI training. The draft language also reveals Waymo may also share rider data to personalize ads. This isn’t new; Waymo already collects personal data to improve services and for advertising purposes, per its existing privacy policy. What will change when this feature is released is that riders will have an opportunity to “opt out” of having their personal information sold, shared, or used for AI training. “The feature, which is still under development, will not introduce any changes to Waymo’s , but rather will offer riders an opportunity to opt out of data collection for [machine learning] training purposes,” Julia Ilina, a Waymo spokesperson, told TechCrunch. The unreleased privacy page 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.” That language is standard in today’s world; bringing cameras into the mix is what ratchets up the creepiness factor. “Opt out of Waymo, or its affiliates, using your personal information (including interior camera data associated with your identity) for training [generative AI],” reads the draft language of the unreleased page. Ilina noted that Waymo uses personal data to train AI models for safety, make sure cars are clean, find lost items, provide help in case of emergency, check that in-car rules are being followed, and generally improve products and services. “Any data Waymo collects will adhere to the Waymo One ,” Ilina said. “That policy explicitly states Waymo will not s...