Waymo limits service ahead of today’s ‘No Kings’ protests

Waymo, the Alphabet-owned robotaxi company, is limiting its service on June 14, 2025, ahead of the nationwide “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump and his policies. Service reductions are reported in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, with a complete suspension in Los Angeles. The duration of these service limitations remains unclear. This precaution follows recent protests in Los Angeles where Waymo vehicles were vandalized with anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) graffiti, likely due to perceptions of the vehicles as surveillance tools, similar to how police departments have used them. Waymo has stated that it challenges any requests for data or cooperation that it views as overly broad or lacking legal justification. The company’s cautious approach reflects concerns about civil unrest and the potential targeting of its autonomous vehicles during politically charged demonstrations. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that during periods of civil unrest, authorities may avoid aggressive intervention unless property is directly threatened, highlighting the tense environment surrounding these protests.