Waymo Faces Feds; Tesla Enables Illegal Texting
Summary
The convergence of autonomous vehicle incidents and government content control policies signals heightened regulatory friction across major US tech sectors.
- Regulatory Probe Intensifies: NHTSA requested data from Waymo regarding robotaxis repeatedly passing school buses in Austin 3.
- Illegal Software Feature: Elon Musk confirmed new Tesla FSD software allows drivers to text while driving, which is illegal in most states 2.
- Trucking Regulation Easing: California DMV proposed revisions that could lift the current ban on testing driverless trucks within the state 1.
- Visa Censorship Policy: The State Department issued a memo to deny visas to fact-checkers based on perceived censorship concerns under the Trump administration 5.
- Internet Age Verification: Congress reviewed 19 online safety bills, including KOSA, amid activist pushback against sweeping age-gated internet requirements 4.
- 38 percent - The alarming rate of self-reported disabilities documented at Stanford University 6.
- 19 - The number of online safety bills reviewed by Congress this week 4.
- Fifth-generation - The version of Waymo’s self-driving system currently under federal scrutiny 3.
Key Moments
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The newest Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software update allows owners to text while driving
— Article [2] -
NHTSA sent a December 3 letter to Waymo requesting information
— Article [3] -
Stanford reports 38 percent of undergraduates are disabled
— Article [6] -
State Department...directing staff to deny visa applications based on perceived censorship
— Article [5]
Different Perspectives
Supporting View
Activist groups are fighting back against the sweeping implementation of age verification requirements across the US online space.
Sources:
[4]