Robotaxis Are Watching Passengers Inside the Cab
Original: Your Driverless Cab Is Spying on You
Why This Matters
As robotaxis scale across US cities, the absence of clear federal camera-surveillance rules inside vehicles creates a growing consumer privacy gap.
Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla robotaxis use interior cameras that monitor passengers during rides. In one documented incident, Waymo staff called 911 after viewing passengers via cabin cameras. Privacy experts warn that US law offers little protection, and broad terms of service give companies wide latitude over collected footage.
Self-driving vehicles from Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla are equipped with interior cameras that can monitor passengers — and companies say human staff review footage when needed. The stakes became clear this past summer when Waymo staffers watching cabin cameras called 911 after spotting what appeared to be teens firing a gun from one of its vehicles in San Mateo County, California. The 'gun' turned out to be a water-bead toy. Waymo confirmed it uses automated technology to flag potential weapons inside its cars.
The companies frame interior cameras as safety tools: checking cleanliness between rides, detecting lost items, enforcing age or conduct policies. But privacy policies are written broadly. Terms like 'improving products and services' could cover a wide range of secondary uses. A 2025 Waymo patent describes an automated interior checklist system that runs between rides.
All three companies say personal data, including video footage, can be shared with law enforcement or regulators under valid legal process. Waymo's Julia Ilina confirmed the company uses 'automated technology to support our teams in identifying potential violations.'
Electronic Frontier Foundation senior policy analyst Matthew Guariglia put it bluntly: 'We are being essentially abandoned by our lawmakers when it comes to consumer privacy.' His advice to riders — 'Just because you're alone in the car doesn't mean you're alone in the car.'