Waymo Cuts Service Amid ‘No Kings’ Protest Fears
▼ Summary
– Waymo is restricting robotaxi service in multiple cities due to planned “No Kings” protests against President Trump.
– Service is fully suspended in Los Angeles and limited in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix.
– The decision follows last weekend’s protests in LA, where five Waymo vehicles were vandalized with anti-ICE messages.
– Protesters may target Waymo vehicles due to concerns they could be used for surveillance by law enforcement.
– San Francisco’s fire chief stated fires on vehicles during civil unrest will not be extinguished unless they threaten buildings.
Waymo has scaled back its autonomous vehicle operations in multiple cities as a precaution ahead of anticipated protests this weekend. The company confirmed temporary service reductions in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, with complete suspension in Los Angeles. This decision follows recent incidents where protestors vandalized Waymo vehicles during demonstrations against federal immigration policies.
Last weekend in Los Angeles, five driverless cars were torched and marked with anti-ICE slogans, prompting the company to halt downtown operations. Though the exact motive remains unclear, some speculate protestors view the vehicles as potential surveillance tools. Police departments have previously sought footage from autonomous cars for investigations, though Waymo states it pushes back against requests lacking proper legal justification.
Local authorities have signaled limited intervention during civil disturbances. San Francisco’s fire chief recently advised crews not to prioritize extinguishing vehicle fires during unrest unless buildings are at risk. The company has not specified how long service disruptions will last but appears to be prioritizing safety amid heightened tensions.
The “No Kings” protests, targeting presidential policies, have raised concerns about further property damage. Waymo’s proactive measures reflect broader challenges facing tech companies operating in politically charged environments. With autonomous vehicles still a relatively new presence on city streets, their role, and vulnerability, during civil unrest remains an evolving issue.
(Source: TechCrunch)
