Waymo’s ‘Self-Driving’ Claims Get a Reality Check on Capitol Hill
Waymo’s autonomous vehicles operate without in-car human drivers but rely on remote human operators—some based overseas, including in the Philippines—for guidance when vehicles encounter situations they cannot resolve independently. These remote operators provide suggestions rather than direct vehicle control, answering system-generated queries; Waymo maintains that the vehicles retain all driving responsibilities. Both U.S. and overseas operators are licensed drivers trained in local traffic rules. Lawmakers and safety experts expressed concerns that foreign human involvement may undermine claims of full autonomy, create safety and cybersecurity risks, and raise regulatory questions, especially regarding U.S. licensing standards. Critics argued that remote operators could function as backup drivers in critical situations and that outsourcing introduces additional issues. Proponents differentiated between “remote supervision” and “remote driving,” explaining that true Level 4 autonomous vehicles can make decisions on their own, with humans serving as a support layer. The Senate hearing occurs amid Congressional debates over national autonomous vehicle regulation and increased pressure on Waymo following major business expansion and funding news.
