Cars are a 'privacy nightmare on wheels'. Here’s how they get away with collecting and sharing your data
Cars are a 'privacy nightmare on wheels'. Here’s how they get away with collecting and sharing your data
Cars can collect data via cameras, microphones, sensors, and connected phones and apps. Our privacy laws need urgent reform if these data are to be kept safe.
And then manufacturers are like:
“You can't let an independent mechanic have this data!”It's even more comprehensive than that. They don't even want you to have it, even though it's data about your use of your vehicle. If you want to use a third party telematics system or just hook up a laptop with software to pull the data, the manufacturers ironically cite data privacy risks as the reason they want to lock down the data so nobody but them can provide access.
Where's the problem? Why wouldn't I want that? /s
It's actually going beyond cars, now.
"Connected" e-scooters and e-bikes that use apps to control their functions also have the ability to collect data (including location) for use in ways that could be abused/sold/stolen.
Or just drive an older car like smart people do
-
What part do I need to disconnect to stop the transmission of this data?
-
Would #1 cause my car to have any issues in it’s day to day operations?
1 Varies by brand and model, but usual a cellular connectivity module, aka telematics. Some cars you can simply pull a fuse, some make it hard
2 Killing the telematics by pulling a fuse can cut off inbuilt navigation functions or the entire display and control system depending on how integrated it is. Work arounds can include pulling the GSM module or faraday caging the antenna.
Need specific models for more specific answers.
-
Even more reason for me to never get a car!