In an age when technological advancements have transformed our lives, it's no surprise that the modern vehicle has evolved into more than just a mode of transportation. Smart cars have revolutionized our driving experience, offering unprecedented connectivity and convenience. They can sync with our smartphones, provide real-time traffic updates, and even park them- selves. However, beneath the allure of these high-tech marvels lies a concerning reality. The privacy and security of the data they collect are increasingly under threat.

The Extent of Data Collection

Smart cars are constantly gathering data, sen- ding it wirelessly to manufacturers, and often sharing it with third-party service providers. The breadth of information collected is staggering. Your vehicle knows not just where you've been but also who you are. ExpressVPN highlights in its recent blog post that it records personal details such as your name, age, address, Social Security number, and even your driver's license number. To make matters worse, car manufacturers don't stop at this. According to the blog post, they reach into external data sources, where they gather information about your income, immigration status, race, and even intimate details like sexual activity and genetic information. If your privacy settings allow, they can access your photos, calendars, and to-do lists. It's an unprecedented invasion of personal privacy that few products can match.

They Can Even Track Your External Surrounding

The location specifics it captures include precise GPS data, your route history, and your driving schedule. It tracks your digital footprint, including your IP address and the location of your mobile device. It compiles demographic insights regarding your gender, ethnicity, and other personal details and can even delve into your financial information, including payment details and the financing of the vehicle. Smart cars even collect biometric data, such as facial, voice, and fingerprint recognition, as well as data on your driving habits and style. Shockingly, they can generate 3D images around your vehicle.

Questions about Accountability

Perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of smart car tracking is the involvement of data brokers. They trade car-generated data without obtaining the explicit consent of vehicle owners. This practice not only erodes the principle of informed consent but also raises the risk of targeted advertising, invasive surveillance, discrimination, and profiling. Data brokers compile detailed sets of information, which can lead to potential discrimination based on factors like race, income, or lifestyle. It can also result in profiles that don't accurately reflect an individual's true characteristics

The unregulated nature of data brokerage raises questions about accountability. With no clear oversight or standardized industry practices, it’s challenging to hold these entities responsible for any misuse or mishandling of the data they acquire.

Hackers Can Access Your Data

Beyond privacy concerns, the trade of sensitive information by data brokers introduces significant security vulnerabilities. In the event of a data breach or cyberattack, this valuable information could fall into the wrong hands, exposing individuals to a range of risks, from identity theft to stalking.

Recent incidents have shown that a disconcerting number of car brands have poor track records in protecting users’ privacy through leaks, breaches, or hacks. For instance, Volkswagen and Audi experienced a data breach in 2021 that impacted 3.3 million users, while Toyota exposed data from 2.15 million users over ten years. Mercedes-Benz, in June 2022, disclosed a data leak affecting potentially 1.6 million customers, including sensitive details such as names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. These breaches can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, from identity theft to targeted cyberattacks.

Conclusion

Our smart cars have transformed into data-hungry machines, collecting and sharing an astonishing amount of personal information. The troubling involvement of data brokers, who operate without explicit user consent, further complicates the landscape. The risks are not limited to privacy concerns alone; they extend to potential security breaches that can lead to identity theft and cyberattacks.

While these concerns should not deter us from enjoying the conveniences of smart vehicles, they should prompt us to demand more transparency, better oversight, and stronger safeguards for our personal data. The road to a safer, more privacy-conscious automotive future is one we all must travel.