Waymo Sues California DMV to Block Public Release of Crash Data
Waymo files a lawsuit against the California DMV to keep its autonomous vehicle crash data private, arguing that releasing the information exposes valuable trade secrets to competitors.
Waymo takes legal action against the California Department of Motor Vehicles to prevent the public release of its autonomous vehicle crash data. The lawsuit stems from a public records request by an unidentified party that challenges Waymo's decision to redact specific information from its commercial operating application.
The Alphabet subsidiary argues that revealing its internal process for analyzing crashes gives competitors strategic insight into its technology and potential safety improvements. Waymo claims that forcing this data into the open creates a chilling effect that dissuades innovation across the entire self-driving car industry.
This legal battle occurs as Waymo actively operates driverless taxi services in San Francisco and San Mateo counties under a commercial permit. A company spokesperson insists that Waymo remains transparent about its safety readiness while working with the DMV to determine exactly what information is appropriate for public disclosure.