Mozilla’s review of 25 car brands revealed that all failed privacy tests, with policies encompassing extensive data collection possibilities, including highly sensitive information such as sexual history and genetic data. The inclusion of such data categories is often a legal safeguard for manufacturers, given the potential for cars to inadvertently collect this information due to their advanced technology. Car companies are required to draft comprehensive policies to comply with varying state laws and account for future technological advancements.
While some car manufacturers like Ford, Stellantis, and GM express a commitment to consumer data privacy, the actual use of collected data remains unclear due to a lack of transparency. Most modern vehicles, regardless of being labeled “smart,” possess the capability to gather extensive data on drivers and passengers. Consumers face limited choices: either scrutinize privacy policies to find the least invasive, opt for outdated vehicles lacking smart technology, or forgo owning a car altogether—a nonviable option for the majority who depend on cars for transportation.
The sharing aspect of vehicles, such as rentals or family use, complicates privacy further, with manufacturers struggling to address multi-user scenarios in their policies. Ford’s privacy policy, for example, requires vehicle owners to inform other drivers and passengers about data practices, a daunting task considering the length and complexity of these documents. Additionally, opting out of data sharing is often not straightforward or even possible, with industry groups resisting the idea of a complete opt-out.
The implications of these privacy policies extend beyond data collection to issues such as the resale of vehicles and the deletion of personal data. Consumers are advised to ensure dealers have a plan to erase their data before reselling a vehicle. The overarching issue is the lack of federal regulation, leaving consumers largely unaware and unprotected against the invasive data practices of vehicle manufacturers.
Key Takeaways:
- Automobile manufacturers include excessively broad and invasive data collection clauses in their privacy policies to legally cover any potential data they might inadvertently collect.
- Modern vehicles are equipped with technology capable of collecting detailed personal information, leaving consumers with few options if they wish to avoid such data collection.
- The complexity and length of privacy policies and terms of service agreements make it difficult for consumers to understand or opt out of data collection, underscoring the need for clearer federal regulation.
“Companies claim ownership in advance, so that you can’t sue if they accidentally record you having sex in the backseat, for example.”
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