Waymo, the autonomous vehicle leader, is expanding its commercial operations across the United States and preparing for further growth, even as concerns about AI security and the rapid deployment of AI tools surface. The company, already operating in six cities with plans for a dozen more, is addressing practical challenges like open robotaxi doors by partnering with DoorDash, according to multiple sources.
Waymo's expansion includes the deployment of its sixth-generation Waymo Driver, utilizing upfitted Zeekr Ojai minivans, as reported by Ars Technica. This move underscores the company's commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology. Waymo's robotaxis can already provide airport pick-up and drop-off services in Phoenix and San Francisco, demonstrating the technology's growing capabilities.
However, the rapid advancement of AI technology is also raising security concerns. A BBC reporter's laptop was successfully hacked through a popular AI coding platform called Orchids, exposing a significant vulnerability, according to BBC Technology. This platform, used by a million users, including major companies, allows users to build apps with text prompts, but its ease of access highlights the risks of granting AI deep computer access. Experts are concerned about the implications of this security flaw, especially given the platform's widespread use and lack of response from the company.
Adding to the concerns, VentureBeat reported that the open-source AI agent OpenClaw saw a dramatic increase in deployments, from roughly 1,000 instances to over 21,000 publicly exposed deployments in under a week. Security leaders feared employees were deploying OpenClaw on corporate machines with single-line install commands, granting autonomous agents shell access, file system privileges, and OAuth tokens to Slack, Gmail, and SharePoint. A one-click remote code execution flaw, rated CVSS 8.8, allows attackers to steal authentication tokens and achieve full gateway compromise in milliseconds.
In other technology news, OpenAI discontinued access to several legacy ChatGPT models, including the controversial GPT-4o, due to its association with user issues and low usage rates, according to TechCrunch. The Securities and Exchange Commission also closed its investigation into the bankrupt electric vehicle startup Fisker last September, though details on the investigation's progress remain undisclosed.
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