Waymo Robotaxis Navigate LA Streets Flawlessly But Raise Privacy Concerns as Vehicles Record Passengers

Waymo robotaxis demonstrate flawless navigation through Los Angeles streets, seamlessly handling traffic and lane changes, but spark privacy debates as vehicles continuously record passengers and issue behavioral warnings through speakers.

• A tech reporter experiences Waymo robotaxis during a Los Angeles trip and finds the AI-powered vehicles drive flawlessly through city streets, switching lanes and navigating traffic with ease while avoiding highways due to safety restrictions
• The autonomous rides eliminate social pressure from human drivers but raise privacy concerns as the vehicles constantly record passengers, with one user reporting being warned through speakers to stop smoking marijuana
• Despite appreciating the convenience and technical capabilities of self-driving cars, the reporter concludes that a mix of autonomous and human-driven vehicles may be optimal to maintain social interaction and human connection