Protesters rage over ‘bulls—’ AI technology that could wipe out an entire profession

Union workers, rideshare drivers, and religious leaders gathered at the John Wilson Building to protest the 'Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026' in Washington, D.C. The legislation, introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen, seeks to establish a regulatory framework for commercial autonomous vehicles like Waymo. Protesters expressed concerns over job displacement, future price increases, and safety, while proponents and Waymo cited data suggesting a significant reduction in injury-causing crashes compared to human drivers. The bill would initially cap the fleet at 200 vehicles and requires extensive testing and equity plans before full implementation.

Union workers, rideshare drivers, and religious leaders gathered at the John Wilson Building to protest the 'Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026' in Washington, D.C. The legislation, introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen, seeks to establish a regulatory framework for commercial autonomous vehicles like Waymo. Protesters expressed concerns over job displacement, future price increases, and safety, while proponents and Waymo cited data suggesting a significant reduction in injury-causing crashes compared to human drivers. The bill would initially cap the fleet at 200 vehicles and requires extensive testing and equity plans before full implementation.