Tesla Tries to Block Release of Public Records on Austin Robotaxi Launch
AUSTIN, TEXAS – June 6, 2025 — Tesla is actively attempting to prevent the City of Austin from releasing key public records related to its upcoming launch of self-driving robotaxis in the area. The documents in question include communications between Tesla and city officials over the past two years, which Reuters requested in February following Elon Musk’s announcement that Tesla would deploy fare-charging autonomous vehicles in Austin this year.
Tesla Pushes Back on Public Access to Robotaxi Plans
On April 1, Austin’s public information officer Dan Davis informed Reuters that “third parties” had objected to the release of the records, citing concerns over privacy and proprietary interests. Shortly after, city officials requested a legal opinion from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, as required by law when third-party proprietary information is involved.
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In a formal letter dated April 16, Tesla’s attorney argued that releasing the emails and documents would expose confidential, proprietary, and commercially sensitive data, including the automaker’s deployment strategy and technical processes. Tesla claims this would cause “irreparable harm” to its competitive edge in the self-driving technology space.
Neither Tesla nor the Texas Attorney General’s Office has responded to Reuters’ follow-up requests for comment.
Legal Review Underway Amid Public Interest Concerns
According to Neal Falgoust of Austin’s Law Department, the city is taking a neutral stance on whether the documents are truly confidential but is legally obligated to seek the Attorney General’s ruling when companies raise such concerns.
Reuters maintains that the public has a right to know about Tesla’s plans to launch driverless vehicles on Texas roads—especially given the safety implications and the broader significance for the future of autonomous transportation. In an April 23 letter, Reuters’ legal team emphasized the public importance of Tesla’s rollout, calling it “an issue of enormous importance to Texas and the public at large.”
Why Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch in Austin Matters
Elon Musk has long touted robotaxis as a cornerstone of Tesla’s future, but has yet to fully deliver on that promise. The planned Austin rollout, reportedly involving 10 to 20 autonomous vehicles in unspecified restricted zones, is being closely watched by industry analysts and investors. Much of Tesla’s market value is driven by future expectations around its self-driving technology and AI-powered robotics.
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The Texas Attorney General’s Office is expected to issue a decision within 45 business days from April 7—making the deadline sometime next week.