Connected car data now includes location, driving habits, seatbelt use and in-car behaviour, raising privacy concerns for drivers, researchers and consumer advocates say.
A 2023 Mozilla review examined privacy policies from 25 car brands. Mozilla said every brand failed its privacy and security standards.
Mozilla privacy analyst Jen Caltrider said automakers can use vehicle data to infer personal traits, habits and beliefs.
Brookings Institution senior fellow Darrell West said cars can recreate parts of a driver’s life “almost on a second-by-second basis.”
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Some automakers share or sell vehicle data to third parties, including data brokers and insurers.
The Federal Trade Commission brought an action against General Motors for allegedly selling vehicle location data without consent.
Consumer Federation of America advocate Michael DeLong said insurers use driving data to set premiums, deny coverage or segment customers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it continues to address privacy concerns linked to impaired-driving prevention technology.
