TechCrunch Mobility: Waymo makes its defense | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Kirsten Korosec

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Waymo, a leading developer of autonomous vehicles, recently faced scrutiny during Senate testimony when its chief safety officer revealed that the company relies on remote assistance workers based overseas, including in the Philippines, to support its self-driving systems. This disclosure raised concerns from Sen. Ed Markey, who criticized Waymo for using non-U.S.-licensed drivers to assist its vehicles on American roads. In response, Waymo clarified that its remote assistance (RA) workers do not remotely "drive" the cars but instead provide guidance only when requested by the self-driving system. The company also emphasized its use of U.S.-based Event Response Teams for handling more complex tasks like collisions and regulatory reporting. Waymo’s blog post detailed its operations, revealing that it employs approximately 70 remote assistance agents globally at any given time. These workers are responsible for responding to specific requests from the self-driving system, such as providing information or troubleshooting issues. Despite this transparency, concerns remain about the safety and oversight of these remote operators, particularly since they are not required to hold U.S. driver’s licenses. The company’s fleet of 3,000 vehicles operates extensively in multiple states, logging millions of miles weekly. The debate over Waymo’s remote guidance operations comes amid broader discussions about transparency in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Many AV companies have historically avoided disclosing details about their behind-the-scenes processes, potentially fueling public mistrust. Waymo’s decision to address these concerns directly highlights the importance of clear communication for building trust with regulators and the public. WhileWaymo continues to expand its services, it faces challenges in new markets like New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul withdrew a proposal to legalize robotaxis outside of New York City due to lack of support. Meanwhile, other developments in the mobility sector include speculation about Rivian’s R2 pricing and layoffs at Lucid, underscoring the dynamic nature of the autonomous vehicle industry. This issue matters because it touches on critical questions about

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/22/2026