Privacy

New to California Roads: Cars with No Drivers Behind the Wheel?

March 13, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>SACRAMENTO – State regulators on Friday proposed easing restrictions on testing autonomous driving systems, clearing a path for driver-free vehicles in California’s cities, towns and highways.</p> <p>The state Department of Motor Vehicles allows testing of autonomous vehicles, but requires a driver behind the wheel. Tech companies and automakers have criticized the rules for slowing innovation.</p> <p>The new proposal would allow manufacturers to test cars without drivers, as long as remote operators monitor the vehicles.</p>

California is Warming Up to Self-Driving Cars Without a Human Driver

March 13, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>A little over a year ago, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued draft regulations that would have put the kibosh on autonomous vehicles without a human driver, such as Google’s steering wheel-less prototype. Today, the agency reversed itself, putting out proposed rules that would not only allow for the testing of self-driving cars without a human driver, but also regulate the manufacture and sale of fully autonomous vehicles.</p>

California Revamps Its Rulebook for Autonomous Cars; Totally Driverless Tests May Start Soon

March 13, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>California residents could be traveling in fully autonomous cars by the end of the year. And by that we mean people who aren’t just test engineers from the more than two dozen companies currently testing self-driving vehicles in the state, but regular members of the public. These folks could soon get their first experience with a technology that industry leaders have promised will transform the way we move around.</p>

Analysis: Autonomous Vehicles Not Ready for Deployment Without Drivers to Grab the Wheel

March 10, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p> </p> <p>Disengagement reports from companies testing autonomous cars on California’s public roads show that driverless vehicles are not ready to be deployed without human drivers who can take control when the self-driving technology fails, according to the group Consumer Watchdog.</p>

Uber Brings Driverless Cars Back to California

March 10, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>SAN FRANCISCO (CN) – The California Department of Motor Vehicles issued a permit for self-driving cars to Uber Wednesday, representing yet another step toward diffusing the strident battle the ride-hail giant fought against its home state last December.</p> <p>The permit will allow for the testing of two driverless vehicles – 2017 Volvo XC90s – the same cars involved in last year’s fracas between the DMV and the ride-hail company.</p>

Wolverton: Republicans Aim to Roll Back Online Privacy Protections

March 10, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>Republicans in Washington are showing they really don’t care much about your online privacy.</p>

Despite Motorists’ Fears, Uber Gets Permission to Deploy Self-Driving Cars

March 10, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>The same week that the Department of Motor Vehicles gave Uber permission to deploy two self-driving vehicles on California streets, an AAA survey revealed Americans are anything but comfortable riding in cars that have a robot behind the wheel.</p> <p>The Auto Club revealed that three-quarters of U.S. drivers fear riding in self-driving cars; a majority (54 percent) feel less safe sharing the road with them. Baby boomer drivers were the most likely (85 percent) to express fear of riding in autonomous cars, the survey found.</p>

Uber’s Autonomous Cars Heading Back to California

March 9, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>Hammered for months over a variety of ethical and legal slips, ride-sharing giant Uber appears to be taking steps to soften its macho corporate image while also being more cooperative with regulators.</p>

Uber Gains Permit for Self-Driving Car Tests in California; consumer group skeptical

March 9, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>Uber's self-driving cars will return to California's streets, though the ride-hailing company doesn't immediately plan to pick up passengers.</p> <p>Uber received a permit Wednesday to test two Volvo SUVs on public roads, the California Department of Motor Vehicles said. Regulators also approved 48 people as backup drivers who must sit behind the wheel in case the prototype cars malfunction, agency spokeswoman Jessica Gonzalez said.</p>

Congressional Move to Invalidate Privacy Regs Introduced

March 8, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>Sen. Jeff Flake today (March 8) ihas introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to invalidate the FCC's broadband privacy rules, according to a source.</p>

Uber scores permit to test self-driving cars in California

March 8, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>Uber’s self-driving Volvos are finally street-legal.</p> <p>Well, two of them are, anyway.</p> <p>The ride-hailing startup on Wednesday received a permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles that allows it to test two self-driving cars on public roads, a DMV spokeswoman said. The permit covers 48 drivers for the two cars.</p> <p>Uber says its self-driving cars are not back on the road yet, and it has no plans to resume its pilot program picking up passengers.</p>

Uber to apply for California permit to test self-driving cars

March 2, 2017  ·  Evan Thomas King

<p>SAN FRANCISCO — In a surprising about-face, Uber said Thursday it will apply for the state permit needed to legally test its self-driving cars here — a step the company previously had refused to take.</p>