Lawmakers and Regulators Concerned About Modern Cars Becoming Potential Spying Machines
In the American imagination, car keys and a driver’s license have long symbolized freedom, autonomy, and privacy. However, the increasing technological sophistication of modern cars has raised concerns about potential privacy violations and surveillance.
Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts recently sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, urging the agency to investigate automakers for sharing drivers’ location information with the police. They argue that this sharing could seriously threaten Americans’ privacy by revealing sensitive information such as visits to protests, health clinics, or places of worship.
Government attention to the car industry is intensifying, with the Government Accountability Office investigating whether salespeople are overselling autonomous driving abilities. The Federal Communications Commission and California lawmakers are also taking steps to prevent mobile car apps from being used for stalking and harassment.
Privacy regulators have opened investigations into data use from connected cars, with California’s privacy regulator looking into the matter for nearly a year. The FTC appears to be acting on Senator Markey’s letter, urging the agency to investigate automakers’ privacy practices.
The most recent letter to the FTC revealed that some automakers have been sharing location data with U.S. government agencies without requiring a warrant. This has raised concerns about the protection of drivers’ sensitive data and privacy.
While some regulators are pushing for more technology in cars to improve safety on the roads, concerns about data collection and privacy implications remain. The conversation around car safety has shifted from improving seatbelts to installing more cameras and sensors, raising questions about the extent of data collection and usage.
As the automotive industry continues to innovate, regulators and lawmakers are grappling with how to balance the benefits of new technologies with the protection of consumer privacy. The intersection of technology, data collection, and privacy in modern cars is likely to be a key issue for regulators and automakers in the coming years.
