Your car is spying on you and leaking your private data!

Many people worry about their phones compromising their privacy.

However, your car might be a far greater source of leaked personal information. It’s not just your location or driving habits; some car manufacturers even collect data related to your “sexual activity” or “sex life.” This may sound unbelievable, but it’s a reality that demands attention.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

The implications of this data collection are significant. For instance, your car insurance rates can be affected by how and where you drive. Insurance companies are increasingly using data to assess risk, and your car is a prime source of this information.

Recently, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit alleging that Allstate Insurance and its data subsidiary, Arity, acquired vast amounts of driving data from app developers without user consent. These apps, including Life360, GasBuddy, Fuel Rewards, and Routely, reportedly tracked driving habits every 15 seconds.

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Allstate purchased location data directly from major car manufacturers, including Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram.

This raises a critical question: how do these car companies possess and sell this data, and why is it allowed?

Your Car: A Rolling Computer

Modern cars are essentially computers on wheels, constantly collecting information. Some of this data, such as diagnostic information related to battery status, engine performance, and service issues, is beneficial for vehicle safety.

However, cars also collect personal data, including:

• Location data and route history: Tracking where you go and how often.
• Driving behavior: Monitoring your speed, braking, and acceleration.
• Personal information: Including your identity and financial details.
• Camera data: Capturing images and videos.
• Sensitive data: As mentioned, some manufacturers even collect information about your “sexual activity.”

This data collection occurs through various channels, including built-in sensors, GPS navigation, satellite radio (like SiriusXM), infotainment systems, and connected apps like OnStar. Connecting your phone to your car further expands the data collected, potentially including call logs, messages, personal preferences, and even social media and photos.

The extent of this data collection has prompted action. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered General Motors (GM) to cease collecting and selling driver data. The proposed settlement aims to enhance data transparency and give users more control over their information.

Mozilla’s “Privacy Not Included” report in 2023 highlighted the severity of the issue, labeling cars as the “worst product category we have ever reviewed for privacy.” All 25 car brands tested failed the data protection assessment, with excessive data collection, widespread data sharing or selling (84%), and limited user control (92%).

Taking Control of Your Data

While the current landscape is challenging, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy:

• Use Privacy4Cars: This app helps you reset your car’s data systems.
• Limit app connections: Avoid connecting your car to dealer apps or portals. If you must, carefully review and restrict app permissions.
• Minimize phone connection: Ideally, avoid connecting your phone to your car. If you do connect, meticulously manage permissions for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
• Disable the built-in SIM card: Request your dealership to disable the car’s SIM card, and obtain written confirmation.
• Request your data: Contact your car manufacturer to request the data they have collected about you. Each manufacturer has its own process, so research is necessary.
• Review Privacy Policies: Read each privacy policy for all of the services you sign up for.

While some car manufacturers are beginning to address data privacy, the current situation remains largely unregulated. Until stricter rules are implemented, it’s crucial to be aware of the data your vehicle collects and take proactive steps to protect your privacy.

Check out how your phone is sending your data to unknown servers!