Your Car Knows a Lot About You, Investigation Reveals
Similar to the gold rush of the 19 century, companies in today’s world are rushing to get their hands on a prized possession: data. More specifically, your data.
Officially, they say they use it to improve the products and services we buy and use for a more personalized experience, but we all know that data is also extremely valuable for targeted advertising and other not-so-noble purposes (like rigging elections).
Our phones, computers and personal assistants are not the only things that keep track of our moves, preferences and habits. As cars get more and more connected, they can amass an incredible amount of data.
How much? A recent investigation by The Washington Post provides an eye-popping answer.
One of the publication’s writers, Geoffrey A. Fowler, hacked into a 4G LTE-equipped 2017 Chevrolet Volt with the help of an engineer to conduct a "forensic analysis" and found a wealth of data points stored—from locations visited to a detailed log of phone calls, contacts, and emails.
Fowler even bought a Chevrolet infotainment computer from eBay and was able to discover the previous owner’s traveling habits in New York, the photo of a person they called "Sweetie," and unique identifiers for their Samsung Galaxy Note phones.
Fowler contacted General Motors and asked to see the data it collected and shared from the Volt, but the automaker declined supposedly because of its privacy policy.
"Much of this data is highly technical, not linkable to individuals and doesn't leave the vehicle itself," a GM spokesman said. And naturally, he added the data is collected to monitor vehicle performance and improve the design and safety of future products and services.
For privacy advocates, things will only get worse as in-car apps expand and hook to services provided by third parties, like stores, restaurants and gas stations.