Waymo Help
Updated Oct 5, 2026 — see what changed
Inside-vehicle video constantly recorded without easy opt-out option
Continuous video recording captures intimate moments and personal conversations inside the vehicle, and the policy doesn't clearly explain how riders can disable this recording or what happens to the footage.
Ambient microphone picks up police sirens but may capture other audio
While Waymo states microphones are designed to detect emergency sirens, the safeguards described are vague, and the policy acknowledges these external microphones exist without fully explaining what other ambient sounds might be captured.
Indefinite data retention for "legitimate business purposes" undefined
The policy states data will be kept "longer than reasonably necessary" but gives no specific timeframes; terms like "resolving disputes" and "legitimate business purposes" are broad and could justify years of retention.