Navigating Privacy: What Your Car Knows About You & How to Control It

In today’s digital age, our cars are no longer just vehicles but sophisticated data collecting machines on wheels. It’s astounding – and somewhat unsettling – to realize that our cars know much more about us than we might want them to. From where we go, how we drive, to even potentially personal details synced from our devices, our cars are constantly gathering information. This article delves into the world of automotive data privacy, exploring what your car knows about you, how this information is used, and most importantly, how you can take control of your data privacy.

Why Your Car Collects and Shares Data

Our cars are marvels of modern technology. They’re equipped with a plethora of sensors and systems designed to collect data. This isn’t just for the fun of it; there are legitimate reasons behind this data collection. Diagnostics data, also known as ‘vehicle health data,’ helps manufacturers with quality assurance, recall tracking, and servicing issues. Location information is vital for emergency services and mapping, while driving habits data can be used by insurance companies to adjust premiums.

The sharing of this data with third parties, such as insurance companies, sometimes occurs without the driver’s clear knowledge. A notable instance highlighted in a New York Times article pointed out how G.M. shares data with insurers, raising concerns about privacy and consent.

The Potential Risks and Realities of Data Sharing

While there are benefits to data collection, like improved safety features and customized insurance premiums, the lack of transparency and consent is troubling. In some cases, your car might share data with insurance companies through internal systems that operate behind complex legal terms, possibly without your explicit agreement. Various car manufacturers have different terms and programs for such insurance data sharing, with the amount and type of data shared also varying significantly.

“Inside the car light trails” by x_tine is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Discovering What Data Your Car Has on You

Curious about what your car knows about you? There are ways to find out and even steps you can take to limit data sharing. A good starting point is checking your car’s privacy settings, both in any associated apps and the car’s infotainment system. Look for options related to data privacy or usage and opt out of sharing data with third parties where possible. However, be cautious not to inadvertently disable essential features like emergency services.

You can also file a privacy request with your car manufacturer to see the data they’ve collected on you. Depending on your state, the manufacturer may be legally required to provide this information. Additionally, it might be beneficial to request your data from data brokers known to share information with insurers, such as LexisNexis and Verisk.

“Loads of GPS devices in our car” by mroach is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Path Towards Better Privacy

The steps to take back control of your privacy, while effective to an extent, highlight a greater need for more robust privacy laws. Ideally, laws would require companies to minimize the data they collect and process about us and to obtain our consent before doing so. Until then, being aware of and actively managing the privacy settings of our vehicles is crucial.

The revelation of how much data our cars collect and share, often without clear consent, underscores the importance of greater transparency and control over our personal data. In an era where our vehicles know so much about us, taking steps to protect our privacy is more important than ever.

While our cars serve as companions on the road, they also play the role of data gatherers. Understanding what information is collected and how it’s used is the first step towards safeguarding our privacy. Remember, it’s not just about knowing what data your car collects; it’s also about taking proactive steps to control the sharing of this data. Your car may know a lot about you, but with the right knowledge and actions, you can ensure that your privacy is not just another stop along the way.