Waymo controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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
In early September, two teenagers got into a Waymo, but then ended up in the back of a police car.
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
Police arrested the passengers after allegedly finding a loaded AR-style “ghost gun” in the vehicle.