TechStuff Week in Tech: Could a Dead Cat Sink Waymo?
Nov 21, 2025
What happens when a Waymo car kills a local cat? Outrage ensues as residents demand better regulations for autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, in China, Apple pulls gay dating apps under government orders, sparking discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and app accessibility. The FBI is probing the operators of an archiving site, and tech billionaires are financing giant statues, reflecting a desire for immortality. Lastly, Kim Kardashian's use of ChatGPT raises eyebrows about AI's role in legal matters.
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Beloved Bodega Cat Killed By Waymo
- Kit Kat was a beloved Mission District bodega cat known as the "mayor of 16th Street."
- Witnesses say people banged on the Waymo with no driver inside as the car ran the cat over, sparking a large memorial.
A Single Incident Can Shift AV Policy Debate
- Kit Kat's death reignited local debate over autonomous vehicles and consent to new technology in neighborhoods.
- San Francisco officials face pressure to let counties decide local AV rules after public outcry.
Waymo's Safety Record Versus Human Drivers
- Data shows Waymo's vehicles crashed far less often than human drivers in San Francisco.
- Producers' city data found humans killed 43 people last year while Waymo recorded zero fatalities.