Remember when driving was about enjoying the open road, making questionable mixtapes, and (maybe) reading a paper map? Well, those days are gone—replaced by seat sensors that know how much you weigh, cameras that watch your every blink, and a digital nanny that tattles on you whenever you skip a software update. Automakers promise these gizmos will make you safer, more efficient, and conveniently connected. But you might also be sharing your personal data with half the planet in the process.

As I think about the worst offenders, it's pretty much every car brand in the world, so let's just review a few of the most recognizable brands here, starting with the ones that are positioned to take advantage of data analytics in the future. Automotive manufacturers are increasingly leveraging data analytics to enhance vehicle performance, customer experience, and operational efficiency. While some collaborate with specialized data analytics firms, others have established or acquired subsidiaries to manage data collection and analysis.

As an example, Ford Motor Company: Ford has several subsidiaries, including Ford AI Holdings LLC, indicating a focus on artificial intelligence and data analytics. SEC

Data Collection and Sales Practices

While direct evidence of manufacturers like Ford and Dodge selling customer tracking data through separate entities is limited, modern vehicles, often referred to as "connected cars," collect extensive data on drivers' habits, locations, and communications. This data collection raises significant privacy and security concerns, as manufacturers may use the data for marketing or share it with third parties, including insurance companies.

Legal Considerations

In many jurisdictions, collecting and sharing personal data without informed consent is subject to legal restrictions. For instance, in Australia, the Privacy Act requires organizations to obtain consent before collecting sensitive information. However, studies have shown that car manufacturers' privacy policies are often lengthy, complex, and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for consumers to understand the extent of data collection and use.

Tesla and the All-Seeing Autopilot

  • What’s Happening: Tesla vehicles continuously gather data from onboard cameras, sensors, and driver profiles. The system captures location info, driving habits, and even interior camera footage in newer models.
  • Why You Should Care: In 2021, researchers discovered potential vulnerabilities allowing hackers to access some of this data remotely. Plus, there have been questions about how Tesla uses and shares driver analytics with third parties.
  • Where to Ask Questions:
    • Privacy Email: privacy@tesla.com
    • Customer Support: 1-888-518-3752

GM OnStar: “We See You’ve Crashed. Should We Tell Your Insurance?”

  • What’s Happening: General Motors’ OnStar service can track your vehicle’s location in real time. It can also record mileage and driving habits, and, in some cases, share that info with insurance companies or law enforcement.
  • Why You Should Care: OnStar has pitched its data-sharing as “helpful.” But some critics argue it’s a surveillance tool with a big automotive grin.
  • Where to Ask Questions:

Toyota Connected Services: Where Your Car Becomes a Data Collector

  • What’s Happening: Toyota’s connected services (including in-app controls and roadside assistance) log trip details, engine performance, and personal account data. Over-the-air updates mean the company can tweak system settings anytime they like.
  • Why You Should Care: In 2022, Toyota disclosed a security flaw potentially exposing nearly 300,000 customer email addresses. Imagine your personal data swirling around the internet like confetti.
  • Where to Ask Questions:
    • Toyota Customer Service: 1-800-331-4331
    • Email (U.S.): toyota_cares@toyota.com
    • International Inquiries: Check country-specific Toyota websites for localized privacy contacts.

BMW ConnectedDrive: Convenience—or “I’m Watching You” in German

  • What’s Happening: BMW’s ConnectedDrive system logs everything from your real-time location to your route preferences. In some models, microphones are always on for voice commands.
  • Why You Should Care: A vulnerability discovered in 2015 allowed hackers to remotely unlock BMWs through the ConnectedDrive portal. BMW patched the issue, but it’s a reminder that “online” can mean “out there” for anyone.
  • Where to Ask Questions:

Ford Sync: Voice Commands (and So Much More)

  • What’s Happening: Ford’s Sync system collects voice data, location info, and driving analytics. Some versions share that data with third-party apps for navigation and music streaming.
  • Why You Should Care: The more data is shared, the more vulnerabilities can emerge. It’s not just about Ford—third-party apps might also store your data and be less secure.
  • Where to Ask Questions:

A Cybersecurity Checklist for Disabling Tech Nuisances

  1. Disable Telematics Services (If Possible)

Turn off or opt out of OnStar, ConnectedDrive, Sync, or Toyota Connected Services. This might involve calling customer service or navigating a labyrinthine settings menu. Pack snacks; this can be an adventure.

  1. Unpair Your Phone

Sure, streaming music from your phone is fun, but Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections also open the door to data sharing. If you don’t need it, switch it off. Remember when a CD changer was high-tech?

  1. Decline Software Updates You Don’t Want

Some updates are essential for safety or bug fixes. Others might just add more tracking “features.” Read the fine print before hitting “Accept.”

  1. Opt Out of Data-Sharing Programs

Check your car’s infotainment settings or the automaker’s website. Sometimes, you’re automatically enrolled in data-sharing. If you see an “Opt Out” link, click it.

  1. Turn Off Voice Assistants

If your car is always listening for voice commands, it’s also always listening. Most systems have a setting to disable that feature—if you can find it buried seven layers deep in the menu.

  1. Review Third-Party Apps Connected to Your Vehicle

Any app that you linked for parking, navigation, or entertainment could be siphoning your data. Delete any you don’t actually use.

  1. Check for Physical Data Ports

Some vehicles have built-in SIM cards or other ports where data can be extracted. Ask your dealership about removing or disabling these if they’re not needed.

Final Thoughts: Because Sometimes Your Car Should Just Be a Car

If all the “convenient” technology in your vehicle feels more like an unwelcome passenger, don’t hesitate to disable it. And if you suspect these systems overstep the bounds of privacy or even safety, report your concerns to authorities, like the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or similar agencies in other countries. Worst case, vote with your feet: choose not to buy a car that doubles as a surveillance gadget on four wheels. After all, if you wanted to star in the automotive edition of Big Brother, you’d at least expect a paycheck—and maybe a free set of floor mats.

Remember: You’re the one footing the bill for this rolling gadget. You deserve to decide what it does and does not record. There’s nothing wrong with demanding your car be just that—a car.

Then again, it's easy enough for me to say. Both my cars are manual and date back to the beginning of the century, so I suspect I would have difficulty finding a car that meets all of my preferences. But maybe that's the message to send to manufacturers: we'll stick to the used car market until you let us have agency and control over the connectivity and tech integration features we paid for.