Autonomous vehicle companies are being tight-lipped about how often their remote operators step in to help self-driving cars. Sen. Ed Markey’s investigation revealed Tesla and Waymo as the only firms to disclose any details.

Tesla is unique for admitting it occasionally uses remote operators, while Waymo controls its vehicles via overseas-based workers. Markey argues strict rules are needed, but companies defend RAOs as a safety net.

Waymo’s foreign workers have faced scrutiny over incidents like one where their prompts failed to stop the car from passing a school bus. Meanwhile, Tesla pilots a limited Austin trial with remote operators at speeds up to 10mph.

The debate highlights the tension between innovation and regulation as robotaxis inch closer to becoming a reality on our streets.