A recent study by Mozilla’s ‘Privacy Not Included’ project reveals alarming lapses in data privacy and security standards among major car manufacturers. Navigating the Data Privacy Maze becomes crucial as the study found that every major car brand, including BMW, Ford, Toyota, Tesla, and Subaru, fails to adhere to basic privacy standards in their internet-connected models. These cars collect a wide range of sensitive personal data, such as race, weight, health information, and even details about sexual activity and immigration status.
Jen Caltrider, the program director of the project, emphasized that cars are no longer private spaces but “privacy nightmares on wheels.” Modern cars employ various data-harvesting tools like microphones, cameras, and connected smartphones to collect this information. Manufacturers also gather data through their apps and websites, which can then be sold or shared with third parties.
Nissan was identified as the worst offender, with a privacy policy that suggests the collection of highly sensitive data, including sexual activity and health diagnosis. The company reserves the right to sell this data to data brokers and law enforcement. Other brands like Volkswagen and Kia also have invasive data collection practices, such as monitoring seatbelt and braking habits or even reserving the right to monitor your “sex life.”
The study also highlighted the issue of “privacy washing,” where car brands provide misleading information suggesting that consumers don’t have to worry about privacy. Many of these manufacturers are signatories to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s “Consumer Privacy Protection Principles,” which Mozilla describes as a non-binding set of vague promises. Furthermore, the study found that issues of consent are poorly addressed, with some brands like Subaru considering passengers as “users” who have implicitly consented to data collection.
The findings raise serious questions about the extent to which car manufacturers respect individual privacy and the lack of regulatory oversight in this emerging field.
