In the American narrative, car keys and a driver’s license have long symbolized freedom, independence, and privacy. However, modern vehicles, equipped with hundreds of sensors, cameras, and internet connectivity, are evolving into potential surveillance devices, often operating in ways that drivers might not fully grasp.
This technological advancement has caught the attention of lawmakers and regulatory bodies. On Tuesday, Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts addressed a letter to Lina Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging an investigation into automakers. The senators’ primary concern revolves around the practice of car companies sharing drivers’ location data with law enforcement agencies. The senators, both Democrats, suggest that such data sharing could “seriously threaten Americans’ privacy” by exposing visits to sensitive locations, including protests, healthcare facilities, religious institutions, and support groups.
Senator Wyden specifically highlighted the threat, stating, “As far-right politicians escalate their war on women, I’m especially concerned about cars revealing people who cross state lines to obtain an abortion.”
Experts suggest that increased scrutiny of the automotive industry stems from the enhanced technological capabilities of today’s vehicles. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted undercover investigations, sending investigators on car shopping trips to evaluate how dealerships represent autonomous driving features. A March report from the agency highlighted that consumers often lack a complete understanding of crash avoidance technologies and driver support systems. The report emphasized that improper use of these technologies “can compromise their safety benefits and even pose a risk on the road.”
Moreover, regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and California lawmakers are focusing on preventing the use of mobile car applications for stalking and harassment. The FCC has proposed regulating automakers under the Safe Connections Act, originally targeted at phone carriers. California is likely to pass a similar law, forcing car companies to restrict abusers’ remote access to victims’ vehicles.
