Cars are collecting data on par with Big Tech, watchdog report finds

Cars now routinely collect as much data on users as big tech companies, with little transparency on how it's used.
Carmakers can collect extremely sensitive personal information like health data, browsing history, and even "sexual orientation."
Manufacturers say they can sell users' data, and it's very hard for owners to opt out of collection.
Hyundai's policy is to share customer data with police even without a warrant or court order.
Privacy advocates say regulators need to step in, as policies are unclear and consumers have no power over their own data.

nbcnews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/1/2023

This California agency wants to know what happens to all that connected car data

Main topic: The California Privacy Protection Agency plans to review the data privacy practices of automakers that produce connected vehicles. Key points: 1. The California Privacy Protection Agency wants to understand how automakers are using and complying with data privacy laws when collecting and using consumer data from connected cars. 2. This review is the first of its kind in the United States and aligns with California's lead in data privacy laws. 3. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the collection of personal information by connected cars, as they gather data on locations, preferences, and daily activities. 4. Connected cars produce large amounts of data that can be shared or sold to data brokers and accessed by law enforcement agencies. 5. Automakers like Google and GM have stated that they prioritize data privacy and have policies in place to protect personal information. Note: The article also mentions the California Consumer Privacy Act and the implications of connected car data for ride-hailing customers and pedestrians.

9/6/2023

If You’ve Got a New Car, It’s a Data Privacy Nightmare

Major car brands, including Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, Toyota, Tesla, and Subaru, fail to meet basic privacy and security standards in their internet-connected models, collecting personal data such as race, weight, and sexual activity, according to a study by Mozilla's *Privacy Not Included project.

9/6/2023

‘Modern cars are a privacy nightmare,’ the worst Mozilla’s seen

According to a report by the Mozilla Foundation, cars have the worst user privacy practices among all gadgets, with 92% of automakers providing little control over personal data and 84% sharing user data with outside parties.

9/6/2023

Automakers under fire for selling driver data

Automakers are facing criticism for selling driver data, with all 25 major car brands receiving a failing grade for consumer privacy and 84% of them sharing or selling consumer data, raising concerns about the privacy of personal information such as facial recognition and sexual activity.

9/7/2023

Your car wants to know about your sex life

Car manufacturers, including Nissan and Volkswagen, are collecting extensive amounts of data on drivers and passengers, including tracking sexual activity, according to a report by Mozilla Foundation, raising concerns about privacy and data protection.

Topics

Posted 9/6/2023, 8:27:07 PM

Cars are collecting data on par with Big Tech, watchdog report finds

Cars now routinely collect as much data on users as big tech companies, with little transparency on how it's used.
Carmakers can collect extremely sensitive personal information like health data, browsing history, and even "sexual orientation."
Manufacturers say they can sell users' data, and it's very hard for owners to opt out of collection.
Hyundai's policy is to share customer data with police even without a warrant or court order.
Privacy advocates say regulators need to step in, as policies are unclear and consumers have no power over their own data.

nbcnews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/1/2023

This California agency wants to know what happens to all that connected car data

9/6/2023

If You’ve Got a New Car, It’s a Data Privacy Nightmare

9/6/2023

‘Modern cars are a privacy nightmare,’ the worst Mozilla’s seen

9/6/2023

Automakers under fire for selling driver data

9/7/2023

Your car wants to know about your sex life