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The White House has officially launched an inquiry into cars produced in China and other unspecified “countries of concern.” In a recent statement, the White House expressed worries about connected vehicles gathering vast amounts of sensitive data on drivers and passengers. These vehicles are equipped with cameras and sensors capable of recording intricate details about US infrastructure, with the added capability of directly interfacing with critical infrastructure.
However, it’s not just Chinese-manufactured vehicles under scrutiny for their surveillance capabilities. A report by Firstpost in September highlighted findings from Mozilla’s study titled ‘Privacy Not Included,’ revealing that famous carmakers worldwide are engaging in similar surveillance practices, collecting diverse data from their users. Surprisingly, car manufacturers are reported to collect and sell even more data than smartphone makers.
How cars collect data.
Car companies use various methods to gather personal data, leveraging the intricate network of electronics, cameras, and sensors integrated within vehicles. Routine interactions like steering or braking, along with advanced technologies such as assisted driving and voice command systems, serve as data points for collection.
Furthermore, interconnected systems like GPS, infotainment systems with microphones, smartphone integration, and even certain security features act as conduits for gathering user information. This widespread surveillance, coupled with data sourcing from third-party brokers and social media, results in a comprehensive dossier detailing individuals, their activities, and their behaviors.
What data is collected?
The scope of data amassed by modern cars is extensive and concerning, encompassing mundane driving behaviors to deeply personal information.
Both drivers and passengers are subject to extensive monitoring, with data points including driver’s license numbers, national or state identification numbers, citizenship status, race, national origin, religious or philosophical beliefs, sexual orientation, details about sexual activity, precise geolocation, health diagnoses, and in some cases, even genetic information. Some manufacturers even delve into collecting biometrics, speech patterns, and user health issues.
Certain companies go as far as making psychological inferences and constructing detailed profiles, encroaching upon users’ privacy in unprecedented ways.
The Fate of Collected Data
Despite the sensitivity of the collected data, transparency and accountability regarding its usage often need to be improved. Encryption practices remain opaque, leaving personal information vulnerable to exploitation.
Alarmingly, many manufacturers do not even try to hide that they are sharing and selling user data without explicit consent. Additionally, opting out of data collection may lead to severe consequences, including loss of functionality or vehicle inoperability.
With most car companies failing to give users meaningful control over their data, the specter of unchecked surveillance looms large over the automotive industry.
There is a growing call for stronger privacy protections and increased consumer awareness in response to these revelations. As the automotive sector becomes increasingly intertwined with digital technologies, safeguarding individual rights and freedoms necessitates a concerted effort to hold manufacturers accountable and demand greater transparency.
Only through collective action can we ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of personal privacy and autonomy.
