Waymo Prepares to Use Robotaxi Data for Generative AI Training
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.
Data Sharing for Personalized Ads
The draft language reveals Waymo may also share this data to personalize ads, raising fresh questions about how much of a rider’s behavior inside autonomous vehicles could be repurposed for AI training and marketing.
Generative AI Training
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
Privacy Policy Language
The 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.”
Opt-Out Options
Waymo gives riders the option to prevent their personal information, as defined by California’s privacy laws, from being shared or sold. Riders can also: “Opt out of Waymo, or its affiliates, using your personal information (including interior camera data associated with your identity) for training [generative AI].”
Unclear Intended Use Cases
It’s not clear what interior data might be used to train generative AI models, or what the intended use cases of such models are. Nor is it obvious what sort of data the interior cameras capture – facial expressions? Body language? – or whether Waymo is using the data to train in-house models or whether it’s sharing that data with other Alphabet companies working on AI like Google or DeepMind.
Waymo’s Revenue Streams
Waymo is, to date, the only autonomous vehicle company pulling in revenue for robotaxi rides in the United States. As of February, the company is logging more than 200,000 paid robotaxi rides every week via its commercial services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin. That’s up from 10,000 rides per week just two years ago, and is a harbinger of more growth as Waymo expands into new markets.
Financials
Despite these gains, Waymo is still likely a money loser for Alphabet, which might be why the company appears to be exploring other revenue streams, like in-vehicle advertising and data sharing for generative AI models. Last year, Alphabet poured another $5 billion into Waymo, and the company raised an additional $5.6 billion from outside investors that boosted its valuation to more than $45 billion.
Conclusion
Waymo’s decision to use interior camera data for generative AI training raises concerns about the potential use of this data for personalized ads and the lack of transparency around the intended use cases of these models. As the company continues to expand and explore new revenue streams, it will be important to monitor their data practices and ensure that they prioritize user privacy and security.
FAQs
Q: What data will Waymo use for generative AI training?
A: According to the unreleased privacy policy, Waymo will use interior camera data associated with rider identities for generative AI training.
Q: What is the intended use of generative AI models?
A: It is unclear what the intended use cases of generative AI models are, but they may be used for personalized ads or other applications.
Q: Can I opt out of data sharing for generative AI training?
A: Yes, Waymo gives riders the option to opt out of sharing their personal information, including interior camera data, for training generative AI models.
Q: Is Waymo a profitable company?
A: No, Waymo is still likely a money loser for Alphabet, and its financials are not publicly disclosed.
