Regulators and lawmakers are increasingly concerned about the data privacy implications of “smartphones on wheels,” as modern cars equipped with advanced technology gather ever more information about their drivers.
Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts recently sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan, requesting an investigation into automakers’ practices of sharing driver location data with law enforcement. The senators expressed concern that this practice could “seriously threaten Americans’ privacy” by potentially revealing sensitive information such as visits to protests, medical facilities, religious institutions, or support groups.
“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,” Senator Wyden stated.
This increased government scrutiny of the automotive industry is driven by the growing technological sophistication of modern vehicles. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a recent undercover investigation, observing how car salespeople were representing autonomous driving capabilities. In a March report, the agency found that consumers often lack a full understanding of crash avoidance technologies and driver support systems. The GAO noted that improper use of these systems “can compromise their safety benefits and even pose a risk on the road.”
Moreover, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and California lawmakers are actively working to prevent mobile car apps from being used for stalking and harassment. The FCC has put forward a proposal to regulate automakers under the Safe Connections Act, a law initially targeted at phone carriers. California is expected to pass similar legislation, requiring car companies to restrict abusers’ remote access to victims’ vehicles. The focus is to prevent car apps from being used maliciously to control and track people.
The actions taken by these various agencies reflect a growing awareness of the extent to which modern vehicles collect data, and a corresponding need to establish regulations that will protect consumer privacy and safety.
