Your Car Is Spying on You

Most modern vehicles come equipped with microphones, cameras, and sensors that send data through your car's computer. Some vehicles even have a data communication module that can transmit your driving history to the manufacturer, data brokers, and insurance companies. The data collected can include information about a vehicle's location, speed, and acceleration, as well as details such as when doors were opened and closed and whether texts and calls were made while the cellphone was plugged into the infotainment system. This has raised concerns about the privacy and security of vehicle data, as well as the potential for unauthorized access and misuse of this data.

What Can Be Done About It?

Drivers can take several steps to protect their privacy and limit the data collected by their vehicles. This includes reviewing the data policies for their car and phone apps and opting out of sharing any data with third parties. Drivers can also file a request with their car's manufacturer to discover what information has already been gathered. In some cases, it is possible to disable data collection entirely by disconnecting the car's data communication module or even removing the vehicle's battery. However, it is important to note that doing so may also disable certain features and services that depend on data transmission.

Conclusion

The rise of connected vehicles has led to concerns about data collection and privacy. While some data collection and sharing may be necessary for the operation of certain features and services, drivers should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their privacy. It is important to review the privacy policies of car manufacturers and data brokers, opt-out of data sharing when possible, and consider ways to limit data collection in vehicles. With these measures, individuals can take control of their data and protect their privacy in the increasingly connected world of autonomous vehicles.