The Use and Potential Misuse of Driver Information

We have all received an online advertisement that seems a little too tailored. It can feel like our digital selves have no privacy—but have you ever stopped to consider what your vehicle may know about you?

Many of those who have purchased a vehicle in the last few years will be familiar with the excitement of wanting to test out all of its new bells and whistles, only to have to spend a moment downloading the vehicle’s app onto your smartphone first. Many manufacturer’s apps will allow drivers to access useful features such as the ability to monitor their driving trips. Yet, the very same apps that provide drivers with access to a variety of features on their vehicle are also those that collect sensitive information about them.

An article recently published by the CBC explores the types of information that your vehicle collects about you and how manufacturers, and other parties, use it. This information can be put to good use, at other times to bad use, and in some cases even used for downright ugly purposes.

The Good

An explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck rental outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas made headlines recently. Police were able to identify key details regarding the truck’s driver and his movements leading up to the crime, thanks to information provided to them by Tesla. The police were even able to determine that the explosives used in the perpetration of the crime came from a device in the truck, such as a bomb, rather than the vehicle itself.

The Bad

Although some of the information, collected by these apps, such as driving trip data, can be helpful in aiding drivers to improve their driving habits, other information, such as that relating to health, religion, or political views, can be irrelevant or otherwise plain intrusive.

The Ugly

In the worst-case scenario, the information collected by your vehicle can be put towards uses that work actively against your best interests. For example, the Federal Trade Commission has started to investigate some manufacturers, over allegations of collecting information on driving habits and selling this information to insurance companies and have it used against drivers when they submit an application for insurance coverage.

Vehicles are now more technologically advanced than ever. Although the allure of a new vehicle can be attractive, it may be worth reminding your privacy conscientious customers of some of the risks. At times, a, tried and tested used vehicle, without all the bells and whistles, may be more in-line with your customer’s needs.

Members interested in the full story can follow this link: Is your car spying on you? Here’s how vehicles gather your data | CBC Radio