Did you know that your vehicle is quite likely watching, listening and collecting information about what you do and where you go?
The Modzilla Foundation works for better online privacy and internet safety. They study all sorts of information and recently reported that cars are the worst products they have ever reviewed in terms o privacy, calling them a “privacy nightmare.”
Cars built in America and/or sold to American drivers nearly have carte blanche to collect whatever they want from everyone in the car, not just the driver. (Europe’s stricter General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) laws rein this in slightly there, but not as much as you’d think). According to the Modzilla Foundation, at least 84% of 25 car brands studied have the power to share or sell the personal data of drivers to data brokers, law enforcement, the government and others. This information can include medical information, genetic information, how fast you drive, where you drive and what songs you play in your car. This study gave all 25 car brands “Privacy Not Included” warning, meaning that these car brands are collecting too much personal data from drivers.
Some of the worst brands include Tesla, Nissan, Hyundai, Cadillac and GMC. None of the brands studied met Modzilla’s minimum security standards.
As driving technology continues to advance, questions about user privacy will continue to be a concern. You can check out the Modzilla report based on the brand vehicle you have to access the report findings. Nonetheless, be careful and be mindful of the information your vehicle might be storing about you.