Taylor Lorenz’s Power User The Truth About Burning Waymos
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Jun 13, 2025 Chaos erupted in downtown Los Angeles as protests against ICE led to Waymo cars going up in flames. The public's confusion about this act highlights the complex motivations behind the protests. Concerns over surveillance technology and its implications for free speech are rising, particularly regarding how driverless cars could infringe on privacy rights. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and stronger regulations to protect civil liberties, especially for marginalized groups facing increased scrutiny in the age of data collection.
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Waymo Cars as Data Collectors
- Waymo driverless cars collect extensive data including faces, plates, and locations to operate safely.
- This data storage and sharing with police raise surveillance concerns among protesters and the public.
Protesters Called and Burned Waymos
- Protesters actively called Waymo cars to the location and set them on fire as an act of resistance.
- The cars were labeled as "spy cars" due to their data sharing with law enforcement.
Waymo as Symbol of Surveillance
- Silicon Valley’s ties with ICE and Trump administration fuel public distrust and protests.
- Waymo is seen as part of a technological surveillance network collaborating with authorities.