Waymo May Use Interior Camera Data To Train Generative AI Models, Sell Ads (techcrunch.com) 35
An anonymous reader shares a report: Waymo is preparing to use data from its robotaxis, including video from interior cameras tied to rider identities, to train generative AI models, according to an unreleased version of its privacy policy found by researcher Jane Manchun Wong.
The draft language reveals Waymo may also share this data to personalize ads, raising fresh questions about how much of a rider's behavior inside autonomous vehicles could be repurposed for AI training and marketing. The privacy page states: "Waymo may share data to improve and analyze its functionality and to tailor products, services, ads, and offers to your interests. You can opt out of sharing your information with third parties, unless it's necessary to the functioning of the service."
The draft language reveals Waymo may also share this data to personalize ads, raising fresh questions about how much of a rider's behavior inside autonomous vehicles could be repurposed for AI training and marketing. The privacy page states: "Waymo may share data to improve and analyze its functionality and to tailor products, services, ads, and offers to your interests. You can opt out of sharing your information with third parties, unless it's necessary to the functioning of the service."
So you are the product! (Score:5, Insightful)
Re: And they still charge you for the ride! (Score:3)
So, you know my ex?
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And they still charge you for the ride!
It’s the 21st Century.
The fuck else, is new.
Scramble Suits? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re: (Score:2)
Wouldn't someone know you're wearing a scramble suit? Based on what I read, it sounds like your appearance is always changing.
While it provides your privacy, it would also make you stick out, would it not?
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Well, if they don't know who you are.....what do you care?
They were saying they were going to use cameras in the cars to get your identity..and show you ads...and pocket other info about you.
After thinking about it...why would they use cameras since you have to use the app to use the service...they'd know who you were from your phone, unless they were just wanting to verify it WAS you...
Anyway...I'd say in general with the sc
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Not if lots of people do it.
They gotcha again. (Score:2)
a rider's behavior inside autonomous vehicles (Score:2)
So it might not be a good idea to make out on the back seat of a Waymo cab...
(Not that this will affect the /. crowd)
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So it might not be a good idea to make out on the back seat of a Waymo cab...
(Not that this will affect the /. crowd)
Not if you want to get condom, sex toy and birth control ads next time. Could be a bit embarrassing on the first date, however; or you may get lucky...
Re: (Score:2)
Re: a rider's behavior inside autonomous vehicles (Score:2)
They can infer your gender, race, mood, demeanour, accent, conversational abilities, intelligence, interests, style, affluence, introvert/extrovert, and a bunch of stuff just by looking and listening. Combine that with your ride history and any other passengers you're with and they might know an awful lot about you in a very short period of time.
Everything will be monetized (Score:5, Interesting)
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So kill them.
Let's all wank off in Waymo's (Score:2)
give the bot "training material"
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They'll just install gene scanners...
Don't give them any ideas.
Oh yeah? (Score:2)
Waymo May Use Interior Camera Data To Train Generative AI Models, Sell Ads
*reaches for electricians' tape*
No, they may not.
Any Waymo stockholders better nip this now (Score:3)
I haven't ever been in a Waymo yet, but it's one those things that sounds neat. I would try it at least once, if it came to my city.
It's NEVER going to happen, though, if I think Waymo cabs are torture chambers full of ads. And that rumor has now been officially started. If you work for, or partially own Waymo, your top mission has just become: kill that rumor and make sure that everyone is convinced that Waymos will always be ad-free zones.
Don't fuck this up.
Re: (Score:2)
Your ride is not over. The doors will open after Ad number 100. You are on Ad -1 out of 100.
I am the paying customer, not the product (Score:3)
... and therefore Waymo should not be selling me.
If they try, I will not get in their vehicle. It is quite simple.
Ad Blocker (Score:2)
Adhesive stickers are going to be mandatory accessories for these trips. Should I cover the display(s) or the camera(s) too?
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No (Score:2)
I was never going to ride in a Waymo, but now I am doubly never going to ride in a Waymo.
Will be illegal (Score:3, Insightful)
Tracking children would violate safety/privacy laws in many countries. They would have to stop recording as soon as a non-adult entered the vehicle. In my town, Uber is a cheap way for working-mothers to help their children. If Waymo wants to compete, their business model will have to change.
Expect the same from AI agents (Score:3)
Yeah no. (Score:2)
Rainbow full face shields come in handy for this. Great for driving, too. This, a hoodie, pre-paid credit card, and no cell. Good luck. Just a video of an unknown person making an obscene gesture at the camera for the entire trip.
I didn’t opt in to this -- I just needed a r (Score:2)
This is not acceptable.
I just RTFA’d this piece about Waymo using interior video footage from its robo-taxis to train generative AI models—and I had to fight the urge to unleash a full kneejerk comment. But honestly, that instinct is entirely justified when your privacy hackles go up like mine did.
Let me be absolutely clear: using interior cabin footage from commercial transport to train AI models and target ads is a bridge too far.
Yes, we live in the era of apex capitalism, where every atom of