Waymo limits service ahead of today’s ‘No Kings’ protests

In response to the upcoming nationwide demonstrations labeled 'No Kings,' Waymo, the robotaxi service owned by Alphabet, is strategically adjusting its operations. A spokesperson for the company confirmed these changes to Wired on Friday, highlighting that service reductions will take place in several key cities, including San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix. Notably, service has been completely halted in Los Angeles. The duration of these service limitations remains uncertain. This decision follows recent protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, during which several Waymo vehicles were vandalized, set ablaze, and defaced with messages opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The motivations behind the protests targeting Waymo vehicles may stem from their perception as tools for surveillance. In several instances, law enforcement has sought video footage from these robotaxis for various investigations. While Waymo has stated its commitment to challenging requests that it deems excessive or legally unfounded, the situation has raised concerns among the public. According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle, the city's fire chief indicated that during times of civil unrest, authorities would refrain from extinguishing fires unless they posed a threat to nearby buildings.