New research reveals serious privacy flaws in the data practices of new internet connected cars in Australia. It’s yet another reason why we need urgent reform of privacy laws.
Modern cars are increasingly equipped with internet-enabled features. Your “connected car” might automatically detect an accident and call emergency services, or send a notification if a child is left in the back seat.
But connected cars are also sophisticated surveillance devices. The data they collect can create a highly revealing picture of each driver. If this data is misused, it can result in privacy and security threats.
A report published today analysed the privacy terms from 15 of the most popular new car brands that sell connected cars in Australia.
This analysis uncovered concerning practices. There are enormous obstacles for consumers who want to find and understand the privacy terms. Some brands also make inaccurate claims that certain information is not “personal information”, implying the Privacy Act doesn’t apply to that data.
Some companies are also repurposing personal information for “marketing” or “research”, and sharing data with third parties.
Don’t forget that every self-driving car is a 360 camera that’s able to capture real-time photo and video for the car’s manufacturer (and whoever they want to sell this data to).
This would include images inside your garage, even when the car is off.
And they have microphones that can record conversations inside the vehicle, too.
These vehicles, in my opinion, are in many cases more privacy invading than phones.
And with Elon in government, with his BFF President at his side, concerns over deregulation and weaponizing these of moving spy devices seems like a future reality.