The advancement of technology in new cars has brought a plethora of high-tech features, from operating systems to navigation and remote unlock capabilities. However, with these advancements comes a significant concern regarding driver privacy. According to Ivan Drury, the director of insights at Edmunds, many of these new features are data-dependent. Whether it’s a computer built into the car or GPS services on your phone connecting to your car’s systems, almost every new vehicle collects various details about the driver. A September report by Mozilla revealed that most car brands share and sell this data, with 84% of brands sharing personal data with service providers and data brokers. Additionally, 76% of brands are selling customer data to third parties. Only two car brands, Renault and Dacia, allow users to delete their personal data, leaving the data collection practices widely unregulated and inadequately monitored.
Theresa Payton, the founder and CEO of Fortalice Solutions, describes the current state of data collection in cars as the “Wild, Wild West.” She highlights the challenges consumers face as they navigate privacy concerns while attempting to find a car that fits their budget. Although the data collected by cars is comparable to that shared from cellphones, the lack of transparency in data collection remains a major issue. This lack of regulation creates an environment where consumer data can be freely shared and sold without their explicit consent.
Despite the challenges in monitoring data collection practices, there are steps car shoppers can take to protect their privacy. When narrowing down options to a specific vehicle, experts recommend speaking with the dealership about the brand’s data collection practices. By inquiring about privacy policies and the ability to opt-in or opt-out of data collection, consumers can make more informed decisions. Furthermore, asking about anonymization and data aggregation practices can provide additional insight into how personal information is handled.
In addition to consulting the dealership, interacting with service managers and advisors can offer valuable information about a vehicle’s data collection system. By seeking clarity from auto insurance providers about car data collection, consumers can gain a broader perspective on how their data is utilized. It is crucial to understand the data collected by newer vehicles, which essentially function as onboard computers. For those concerned about data tracking, reviewing the owner’s manual to delete personalized data from the onboard computer is an effective solution.
Although it may be tempting to isolate or remove components for privacy reasons, tampering with integrated systems in modern vehicles can have severe consequences. Disabling certain features may result in a loss of essential services like navigation and roadside assistance. While older used cars may lack high-tech features, they come with their own set of risks. The safety features provided by onboard computers in new cars cannot be easily replicated in older models. As technology becomes more ingrained in vehicles, the potential dangers of altering integrated systems become increasingly significant.
The prevalence of data collection in new cars poses a significant threat to driver privacy. As consumers navigate the car shopping process, it is essential to remain vigilant about data collection practices and take proactive steps to protect personal information. By understanding the risks associated with modern technology in vehicles, consumers can make informed decisions that prioritize privacy and security.
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