Practically every new car launched by a big car manufacturer features, as standard or optional, a list of infotainment and connectivity features. The thing is, have you ever wondered what this means for your privacy?

Until now, each car company had its own data collection and disclosure policy. This means that they could do whatever they pleased with all the information collected by systems such as your GPS, smartphone link and every other data-storing system in your vehicle – and they’re not keeping it a secret.

“We know everyone who breaks the law, we know when you’re doing it”, said Ford’s global vice president of sales and marketing Jim Farley earlier this year while speaking at a panel at the CES show. “We have GPS in your car, so we know what you’re doing. By the way, we don’t supply that data to anyone.”

After drawing a lot of criticism, he later retracted his statement, saying that he “mischaracterized” what the Blue Oval knows about its customers. Not that it matters, anyway: they know everything we do when we get behind the wheel of out vehicles, when we do it and how we do it. Very “1984”, isn’t it?

In a move to protect data from being misused, while at the same time offering even more advanced systems in their cars, Autonews reports that GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai-Kia, Nissan and Honda announced today that they have agreed to implement industry-wide policies for handling info and protecting their customers’ privacy.

Those principles will require obtain customer consent for certain uses of data by 2017, with a one-year extension should any engineering issues arise.

To cut a long story short, car buyers will be able to view the policies before purchasing the vehicle, with the companies disclosing the type of data they collect and the way in which they can be used or even shared.

“Modern cars not only share the road but will in the not-too-distant future communicate with one another”, John Bozzella, president of the Association of Global Automakers, said. “Vigilance over the privacy of our customers and the security of vehicle systems is an imperative.”

Still, an automaker will be able to use data collected from its vehicles for its R&D program, warranty issues, diagnostics, safety or even locating a stolen vehicle provided they are “purged” of any personal information.

There’s an exception, though: personal information can, and will, be provided in certain circumstances like a warrant or a court order, although they pledged that they won’t share their info with insurance companies.

If you’re a law abiding citizen then you have nothing to fear, right? After all, the government only wants what is good for you…

Photo Gallery