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Waymo has disclosed it has "remote drivers" for its robo-taxis in the Philippines, but won't disclose their training or driving qualifications. (futurology.today)
submitted 17 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago) by Lugh@futurology.today to c/futurology@futurology.today
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Waymo (Google's self-driving car project) currently only operates in the US, but plans to expand to Japan & Britain in 2026. Do these "remote drivers" in the Philippines have US, Japanese, or British driving licences? Waymo isn't saying. How do they get away with being in charge of a vehicle? Try telling a police officer who has pulled you over in America, Japan, or Britain that you are driving without a licence & see how far it gets you.

Robo-taxis may be at Level 4 self-driving (that occasionally requires human remote drivers) until the 2030s. Is this about to turn into another global battle between regulators versus Big Tech, who'll insist they should be able to do what they want?

Waymo Tap-Dances about Overseas Remote Drivers

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[-] whyNotSquirrel@sh.itjust.works 9 points 14 hours ago

so you don't need driving licence in USA if you remotely drive a car? You just need to sit in the back of your car and drive with your phone!

[-] jimmy90@lemmy.world 1 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago)

i'm guessing the car still has all its sensors enabled and driving abilities and the human just resolves confusion/deadlock and allows the vehicle to override safety blockers if the human can confirm it's safe to do so

essentially it's still driving itself

this is just a guess

[-] Linktank@lemmy.today 0 points 12 hours ago

Seems SUPER illegal.

this post was submitted on 09 Feb 2026
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