What car shoppers should know about data in modern vehicles

[WORLD] As new vehicles become more like computers, car shoppers need to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their data. Modern cars are equipped with a wide array of high-tech features, from built-in operating systems to advanced navigation and remote unlock capabilities. However, these conveniences come at a cost to driver privacy, as vehicles collect and potentially share vast amounts of personal information.

Ivan Drury, the director of insights at Edmunds, a car site, emphasizes the importance of understanding these new technologies: "New cars today are loaded with high-tech features for car shoppers, from their own operating systems to navigation and remote unlock. But with those advancements come questions about driver privacy."

The Rise of Connected Cars

Connected cars have revolutionized the automotive industry, offering unprecedented levels of convenience, safety, and entertainment. These vehicles are equipped with advanced computer systems that can communicate with other devices, infrastructure, and even other vehicles on the road. While these features undoubtedly enhance the driving experience, they also raise significant concerns about data privacy and security.

Data Collection in Modern Vehicles

Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous sensors and systems that collect a wide range of data. This information can include:

• Location data
• Driving habits (speed, braking patterns, acceleration)
• Vehicle performance metrics
• Personal information (contacts, text messages, call logs)
• Biometric data (in some advanced models)

Theresa Payton, the founder, president, and chief executive officer of Fortalice Solutions, a cybersecurity advisory firm, describes the current situation as "the 'Wild, Wild West' of data collection and aggregation." This analogy aptly captures the lack of standardized regulations and practices in the automotive industry regarding data privacy.

Understanding the Risks

The collection and potential sharing of personal data by vehicles pose several risks to consumers:

Privacy Invasion: Detailed information about a driver's movements, habits, and personal life can be exposed.

Data Breaches: Cybercriminals may target automotive systems to steal personal information.

Unauthorized Access: Law enforcement or other entities may access vehicle data without the owner's consent.

Targeted Advertising: Personal data may be used for marketing purposes without explicit permission.

Steps to Protect Your Data

While the landscape of automotive data privacy is still evolving, there are several steps car shoppers can take to protect their information:

1. Research Vehicle Data Policies

Before purchasing a new vehicle, it's crucial to research the manufacturer's data collection and privacy policies. Look for information on:

• What types of data are collected
• How the data is used and stored
• Whether data is shared with third parties
• Options for opting out of data collection

Ivan Drury advises, "I'd ask the insurance company, 'Are you using this and do you have an option to opt in or opt out different devices to monitor.'" This approach can help you understand the extent of data collection and your options for controlling it.

2. Understand and Utilize Privacy Settings

Many modern vehicles offer privacy settings that allow users to control data collection and sharing. Take the time to explore these settings and configure them according to your preferences. This may include:

• Disabling location tracking when not in use
• Limiting data sharing with third-party apps
• Controlling which personal information is stored in the vehicle's system

3. Regularly Wipe Vehicle Data

Periodically clearing personal data from your vehicle's onboard computer can help minimize the risk of information exposure. Theresa Payton suggests, "That can be a great way if you are already in a car and you love the car, but you don't like the data tracking."

To do this:

• Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for instructions on data wiping
• Use online resources like Privacy4Cars to help delete personal data stored by automakers
• Consider performing this process on a regular basis, especially before selling or trading in your vehicle

4. Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps and Devices

While many third-party apps and devices can enhance your driving experience, they may also pose additional privacy risks. Before installing any app or connecting a device to your vehicle:

• Research the app or device's privacy policy
• Understand what data it collects and how it's used
• Limit permissions to only what's necessary for the app or device to function

5. Stay Informed About Automotive Privacy Laws

As the issue of data privacy in connected cars gains more attention, new laws and regulations are likely to emerge. Stay informed about:

• Local and national privacy laws that affect automotive data
• Industry standards for data protection in vehicles
• Your rights as a consumer regarding vehicle data

The Future of Automotive Data Privacy

As vehicles continue to evolve and become more connected, the issue of data privacy will only grow in importance. Automakers and regulators are working to address these concerns, but progress is ongoing.

Manufacturer Initiatives

Many car manufacturers are taking steps to improve data protection in their vehicles. These efforts include:

• Implementing stronger encryption for vehicle data
• Providing more transparent data collection policies
• Offering enhanced privacy controls for users

Regulatory Developments

Governments and regulatory bodies are beginning to address the unique challenges posed by connected cars. Future regulations may focus on:

• Standardizing data protection practices in the automotive industry
• Ensuring consumer consent for data collection and sharing
• Establishing clear guidelines for data access by law enforcement and other entities

Balancing Convenience and Privacy

While the privacy concerns surrounding connected cars are significant, it's important to recognize the benefits these technologies can provide. Advanced features like collision avoidance systems and real-time traffic updates can greatly enhance safety and convenience.

The key for consumers is to find the right balance between utilizing these beneficial features and protecting their personal information. As Ivan Drury notes, "It's finding that right balance, it's a risk versus reward."

As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated and connected, car shoppers must be proactive in protecting their personal data. By understanding the risks, researching manufacturer policies, utilizing privacy settings, and staying informed about industry developments, consumers can enjoy the benefits of modern automotive technology while safeguarding their privacy.

The future of connected cars holds great promise, but it also requires a new level of awareness and responsibility from both manufacturers and consumers. As the industry continues to evolve, it's crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the convenience and safety benefits of connected vehicles don't come at the cost of personal privacy.