In the age of technology, it seems that our privacy is under constant threat, even when we’re behind the wheel.
Recent findings from Mozilla’s *Privacy Not Included project have unveiled a startling truth about the cars we drive today. It turns out that many modern vehicles are not just modes of transportation; they are data-harvesting machines that may collect sensitive personal information, including details as intimate as your race, weight, and even your sexual activity.
The Mozilla report found that every major car brand, from BMW to Ford, Tesla to Subaru, falls short when it comes to adhering to basic privacy and security standards for their new internet-connected models.
In fact, all 25 brands examined failed Mozilla’s privacy and security test, raising concerns about the extensive data collection taking place within our vehicles.
One of the most alarming revelations is that these cars are equipped with various data harvesting tools, such as microphones and cameras, and they can also access the data from the phones connected to them. Furthermore, manufacturers collect data through their apps and websites, which can then be shared or sold to third parties.
According to Mozilla, the worst offender in terms of privacy was Nissan.
The carmaker’s privacy policy suggests that they may collect sensitive information, including details about your sexual activity and even genetic data, with little clarity on how this data is obtained. Nissan reserves the right to share and sell this personal information to data brokers, law enforcement, and other third parties.
Other major car brands didn’t fare much better. For instance, Volkswagen collects data about your driving behaviors, like seatbelt usage and braking habits, and combines it with personal information like your age and gender to target you with advertising. Kia’s privacy policy even reserves the right to monitor your “sex life.” Meanwhile, some cars, like Mercedes-Benz, come with apps like TikTok pre-installed on their infotainment systems, introducing an additional layer of privacy concerns.
What’s particularly concerning is that many car manufacturers engage in what Mozilla calls “privacy washing.” They present consumers with information that suggests they need not worry about privacy issues, even when the opposite is true. Some 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 organized by the car manufacturers themselves.
To make matters worse, questions around consent are often disregarded or made overly complex.
Subaru, for instance, considers anyone inside the car as a “user” who has given consent for data collection. Some car brands put the responsibility on the driver to inform passengers about the vehicle’s privacy policies, even though these policies can be convoluted and difficult to understand.
In an era where technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, the Mozilla report serves as a stark reminder that our privacy is not only at risk when we’re online but also when we’re on the road. As we continue to embrace smart and connected vehicles, it becomes crucial for both consumers and regulators to address these privacy concerns and ensure that our personal information remains just that – personal.
