Last month we discussed how smart cars collect a ton of data on you, primarily through connected services such asin-car navigation or infotainment systems, satellite radios, and roadside assistance. Most of these services offer a way to opt-out, but who really goes through the hassle to do that?
Today’s vehicles are equipped with an array of microphones, cameras, and sensors that allow you to interact with various controls and systems. All these interactions are (or can be) collected and stored by car companies, creating data privacy concerns.
According to open-source web browser company Mozilla, “modern cars are a privacy nightmare.” The company researched how 25 leading car manufacturers collect and use data that is generated from the car as it is driven, as well as you. And the level of granularity is astonishing and creepy.
Tesla, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, and Toyota as well as Kia, Mercedes-Benz and BMW were included in this research. Each company earned the “*Privacy Not Included” warning label — making cars the official worst category of products for privacy that Mozilla ever reviewed.
How bad can these automakers be? What could they possibly track? Clearly, they know your current location, and where you are headed.
Well for starters, there is a 17-page list of data that can be collected, including the basics like name, address, phone number, and email, age, payment history, passport, and social security numbers, plus driver’s license details.
OK. Maybe those details don’t bother you as they may have already been collected as part of the purchase transaction.
What about personal data such as sexual orientation, health diagnosis data, genetic information, face and fingerprints biometrics, religion, immigration status, and sexual activity. Who knew your car was a digital treasure trove?
Unlike your connected car, QTel™ (formerly Qphone) does not collect any personal or device information. Our goal is simple… to ensure the utmost in privacy and security when exchanging voice, messages, and video conversations.
Click here to schedule a QTel demo.
