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Waymo

Controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2026

    Waymo robotaxi detects firearm during ride and alerts police, leading to arrest of two teenagers

    Safety incident

    In early September, two teenagers riding in a Waymo robotaxi were arrested after the company detected what it described as a terms-of-service violation involving a firearm. Waymo pulled the vehicle over and alerted emergency services. Police allegedly found a loaded AR-style ghost gun in the vehicle. The incident raised questions about privacy and surveillance in robotaxis.

    In early September, two teenagers taking a Waymo robotaxi were arrested after the company detected what it called a terms-of-service violation involving a firearm, pulled the vehicle over, and alerted emergency services; police allegedly found a loaded AR-style ghost gun in the vehicle.

    Stated objective. Waymo said it uses its internal cameras to help enforce its terms of service, including detecting prohibited items and behavior, and that if it detects a firearm in the vehicle it may reach out to local law enforcement.

    Source excerpt

    • Police arrested the passengers after allegedly finding a loaded AR-style “ghost gun” in the vehicle.
    • Waymo spokesperson Julia Ilina told The Verge in an email that the company uses its internal cameras to help enforce its terms of service, including detecting prohibited items and behavior.
    • The robotaxi company said it detected “a violation of our terms of service involving a firearm,” pulled the car over, and alerted emergency services, according to the Los Angeles Times
    Source

  2. 2020

    Court sentences Anthony Levandowski for stealing Google trade secrets

    Ruling

    A U.S. federal court sentenced Anthony Levandowski to 18 months in prison for stealing Google trade secrets. The court also imposed a $95,000 fine and ordered him to compensate Waymo $756,000. The case concerned the theft of Google trade secrets, and the sentence included both imprisonment and financial penalties, with part of the payment directed to Waymo as compensation.

    Source excerpt

    • 本周三8月5日，美国加州北区地方法院下达判决。勒万多斯基犯下一项盗窃谷歌商业机密的罪行，将被判处18个月监禁，缴纳9.5万美元罚款，并赔偿原谷歌无人车业务新成立的 Waymo 公司75.6万美元。
    Source