Tesla tops Mozilla's list of 'creepiest' carmakers, but 25 brands failed basic data privacy tests

Mozilla tested 25 car brands and none passed basic data privacy tests, with Tesla deemed the "creepiest" for its unsafe AI.
Renault, Dacia, and BMW were the "least creepy" but still collected too much data and shared it.
Car brands collect extensive personal data and most share or sell it to third parties.
Mozilla calls cars the "worst product category" for data privacy compared to other devices reviewed.
Consumers have little control over car data collection and privacy, making regulators and policymakers slow to address it.

engadget.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

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.

9/6/2023

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

Car manufacturers are collecting and selling sensitive personal information about auto owners without providing meaningful opt-out options, posing a significant privacy concern, according to a report by Mozilla.

9/7/2023

Study Finds Cars Collect Extensive Personal Data, With Tesla Failing Privacy Assessments

Connected cars are the "official worst category of products for privacy" according to Mozilla, as they collect more personal data than necessary and use it for reasons other than operating the vehicle, with 84% of cars sold or shared the data they collected.

Topics

Posted 9/6/2023, 8:29:48 PM

Tesla tops Mozilla's list of 'creepiest' carmakers, but 25 brands failed basic data privacy tests

Mozilla tested 25 car brands and none passed basic data privacy tests, with Tesla deemed the "creepiest" for its unsafe AI.
Renault, Dacia, and BMW were the "least creepy" but still collected too much data and shared it.
Car brands collect extensive personal data and most share or sell it to third parties.
Mozilla calls cars the "worst product category" for data privacy compared to other devices reviewed.
Consumers have little control over car data collection and privacy, making regulators and policymakers slow to address it.

engadget.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

Automakers under fire for selling driver data

9/6/2023

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

9/7/2023

Study Finds Cars Collect Extensive Personal Data, With Tesla Failing Privacy Assessments