YouTube removes video of Tesla owner testing FSD system with kids instead of models

YouTube, the video platform owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, has deleted two videos showing Tesla owners using their own children instead of mannequins on the road or driveway for the assisted driving system “full self-driving” ( FSD) security test.

The tests are designed to determine whether vehicles equipped with Tesla's latest driver-assistance system will automatically avoid collisions with pedestrians who are walking or standing still on the road when driving slowly.

Elena Hernandez, a YouTube spokeswoman, wrote in an email: “ YouTube does not allow content that shows or encourages minors to engage in dangerous activities. After a review, we determined that The above video violates our Harmful and Dangerous Policy, so we have removed the content."

"Specifically, we don't allow content that shows or encourages minors to engage in harmful situations that could lead to harm, including dangerous stunts, adventures, or pranks," Hernandez said.

Tesla sells two driver-assistance systems in the U.S., a standard package called Autopilot and a premium option called FSD, which costs $12,000 upfront, or $199 a month. Tesla is also allowing some drivers to score high on the company's in-vehicle safety tests to qualify for an experimental program called FSD Beta.

None of these systems can enable Tesla cars to drive themselves or be used safely without a driver in the main driver's seat, although they can pay attention to the road and be able to automatically steer, brake, or accelerate for short periods of time. Tesla's owner's manual warns drivers that the system won't let their cars drive themselves.

In a video posted on August 14, Tesla owner and investor Tad Park, who had been testing a Model 3 car, was traveling at 8 miles per hour (about 13 kilometers per hour) in the San Francisco Bay. He drove towards his child on a road in the district. Fortunately, no one was injured during the test.

The video was viewed tens of thousands of times before YouTube removed it. Alphabet also owns self-driving car technology developer and Robo-taxi operator Waymo.

Parker is the CEO of Volt Equity and the portfolio manager of VCAR, an ETF focused on self-driving technology. "I experienced the product firsthand and believed in my investment," Parker said in an interview. "We have extensive safety precautions in place so kids are never at risk."

In a subsequent email, Parker wrote: "We tested mannequins, then tall basketball players, then a kid standing on the road and my other kid crossing the road."

He said the car never went faster than 13km, explaining: "We made sure the vehicle could recognize the child. Even if the system were to fail completely, I was always ready to take over. I had a feeling that if the car didn't slow down enough, I know when I need to hit the brakes.

In Parker's view, the test was a success because the car slowed down without hitting any objects, pedestrians, or his children. Asked if he would do another test, he said: "I don't think further testing is necessary, but if it is, I will. Having said that, I would not advise people The family deliberately tried it.”

Parker conducted these tests in part as a rebuttal to software company founder Dan O'Dowd, who criticized Tesla's driver-assistance feature for advertising nationwide.

Omar Qazi is one of Tesla's shareholders and its main promoter on social networks. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has frequently interacted with Qazi and others on Twitter.

In addition to YouTube, the media also contacted the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ask whether such videos are safe or legal. "NHTSA advises the public that it may be extremely dangerous for anyone to attempt to test vehicle technology themselves. No one should risk their own or anyone else's life to test the performance of vehicle technology ," NHTSA said on Aug. 16 .

The agency also noted: "As NHTSA has consistently stated, no vehicle is currently capable of driving itself. The most advanced vehicle technology available for purchase today provides driver-assisted driving capabilities when human drivers still require full attention to perform driving tasks at all times and Monitor your surroundings."

In June, NHTSA first released data on crashes involving driver-assist systems, finding that between July 20, 2021, and May 21, 2022, Tesla vehicles using such systems were involved in 273 crashes. NHTSA is currently investigating multiple Tesla vehicles colliding with parked emergency vehicles, in addition to more than 20 Tesla crashes, many of which resulted in fatalities.

"As advanced vehicle technologies become more widespread, we share the same concerns as other traffic safety stakeholders that drivers may misinterpret or misuse these features," the California Department of Motor Vehicles said via email. It has been communicated to Tesla, and will continue to emphasize, that clear and effective communication to customers, buyers, and the general public about the capabilities, limitations, and intended uses of any vehicle technology is critical."

The California Department of Motor Vehicles recently alleged that Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing or false advertising regarding its driver assistance systems. The agency is also conducting a lengthy safety review of Tesla's technology, including the FSD Beta.

Police in the town where Parker took the test drive did not respond in time, and Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.