FBI Worries Self-Driving Vehicles Pose New Risks

Self-driving cars may be on their way, but the FBI is wary of the technology and has legitimate concerns.

In an unclassified but restricted report obtained by The Guardian, the FBI believes that autonomous vehicles “will have a high impact on transforming what both law enforcement and its adversaries can operationally do with a car.” Situations such as suspects being able to shoot at pursuers while the getaway vehicle drives itself or even self-driving bombs have become a concern with the FBI. In addition, there’s a fear that criminals will be able to override safety features in order to ignore traffic lights and speed limits.

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In an argument of whether the pros outweigh the cons, the FBI also notes that autonomous vehicles could help first responders arrive to a scene of an accident quicker while surveillance would be more effective and easier, especially in the case of tailing suspects.

According to the report, the FBI believes Congress will approve the use of autonomous vehicles by the American public within the next five to seven years. It’ll be up to the technology experts such as Google to ensure they’re as safe as possible.

[Source: The Guardian]