Privacy in modern cars is a pure illusion. From trackers to microphones, Mozilla explains why the automobile has become one of, if not the worst, threats to privacy.
Modern cars, often presented as computers on wheels, hide dark secrets for your private life. While manufacturers tout their advanced features and connectivity, the real impact of these on occupant privacy remains largely ignored. A Mozilla survey of as many as 25 automotive brands reveals that cars are now the most privacy-intrusive product category, scoring the worst on its label. Privacy Not Included “. Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai are among the worst performers. The French Renault, although called to order, saved the day.
The frightening data collection of car manufacturers
For Mozilla, there is no shortage of reasons for this finger pointing at the automobile industry. Excessive collection of personal data, sharing and selling of it, lack of control for drivers, not to mention other security issues that are currently unresolved. The revelations of the browser study necessarily raise concerns, especially since the 25 brands scrutinized were all pinned down, certainly in varying proportions.
Indeed, all the car brands studied collect more personal data than necessary. This massive drain would range from your driving habits to more intimate information, such as that related to your sex life at Nissan and Kia. Six other manufacturers are also happy to claim that they can collect your information or genetic characteristics. Just that.
Right of reply from the manufacturer Kia, declaration sent on September 8, 2023 to our editorial staff, added the same day to our article. Here’s what the company tells us :
” Kia France and Kia Connect GmbH (“Kia”) respect the privacy of their customers. Kia complies with all applicable data protection laws. All information relating to the processing of personal data by Kia France is specified in the privacy policy: https://www.kia.com/en/privacy-policy/. All information relating to the processing of data of customers using Kia Connect services is specified in the Kia Connect privacy policy. Under no circumstances does Kia collect data on “sex life or sexual orientation “.
Obviously, this data collection feeds into the creation of detailed profiles on drivers. The majority of brands (84%) admit to selling or sharing your personal data with third parties. Let’s go even further, since 56% of them say they can share this information with law enforcement or the government, in response to a simple request, all without going through a court order. In the United States, insurers are already offering to install cookies to reduce the cost of the premium. Sky is the limitas the saying goes.
Tesla wins the dunce cap for worst manufacturer in terms of respecting confidentiality
With the exception of two brands, Renault and Dacia, all others do not grant drivers the right to delete their personal data. It should be noted that drivers have little control over how their information is used. If the two manufacturers of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance collect data well, they have the merit of giving a certain power back to their customers.
For everyone else, the picture is quite frightening. None of the brands studied meet minimum security standards for information protection. 17 of them even have a history of security breaches and privacy violations.
The ranking of the worst manufacturers examined in this area is dominated by Tesla. Elon Musk’s brand is the only one to check the boxes of data collection and use, data monitoring and recording, security concerns and artificial intelligence. It is then followed by Nissan, Hyundai, Cadillac, GMC, Buick, Chevrolet, Kia, Acura, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Ford, Lexus, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Consumer choice is ultimately limited, as all of the cars studied received a poor rating for privacy. Drivers today find themselves in a bind, with few options available to them to protect their privacy.
Source : Mozilla
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