Summary:
The article discusses the growing concern over data privacy in vehicles, likening cars to “hard-drives on wheels.” It references a free Vehicle Privacy Report from Privacy4Cars, which reveals the extensive data collected from vehicles and connected mobile devices, including identifiers, location data, and biometrics. This data may be shared with various entities, such as insurance companies and government agencies.
In August, Texas filed a lawsuit against General Motors for allegedly collecting and selling owner data, highlighting ongoing privacy issues in the automotive industry. Other companies, like LexisNexis and Verisk, also collect similar data from brands like Kia and Ford. As companies increasingly integrate technology with vehicles, they intensify the flow of personal information, thus raising people’s concerns about how they use and share this data.
Experts from AutoMobility consulting firm emphasize the need for automakers to obtain clear consent from consumers before collecting data. They also ask to address cybersecurity seriously. They criticize manufacturers for obscuring disclosures in complex legal language and collecting data without clear purposes.
The Mozilla Foundation found that all 25 major car brands evaluated in their Privacy Not Included report received failing marks for consumer privacy, marking a troubling trend in the industry. This highlights the pressing need for greater transparency and accountability regarding data collection practices in modern vehicles, as consumers face an increasing lack of privacy.
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