Waymo Robotaxi Stops After Teenagers Found with Ghost Gun, Raising Privacy Questions

In early September, Waymo’s autonomous vehicle pulled over after detecting a violation of its terms of service involving a firearm. Two teenagers inside the car were taken to a police station, where officers seized a loaded AR‑style ghost gun. Waymo’s system alerted emergency services before the police arrived. The incident highlights the company’s use of onboard cameras and sensors to enforce safety rules. It also brings to the fore unresolved issues about what data autonomous vehicles record, how that footage is stored or shared, and the level of privacy riders can expect. The event underscores the need for clear regulations governing data handling in self‑driving cars and the responsibilities of manufacturers when they intervene in real‑time operations.