- A new investigation has found that virtually every automaker is collecting and sharing your data.
- This includes things such as where you drive, when you drive, and how fast you’re going.
- Information collected by companies can be used to increase your insurance and loan rates.
Smartphones and high-tech automobiles collect a ton of information, which can be used in a variety of different ways. In the case of insurance, this data can be used to increase rates or flat out deny coverage.
While Allstate and General Motors have been in the news for their data tactics, they’re far from the only companies involved. That’s clear from a new Consumer Reports investigation, which found “nearly every automaker that sells cars in the U.S. is … collecting and sharing so-called ‘driver behavior data’ with other companies.”
More: FTC Bans GM From Selling Driving Data For 5 Years
This wasn’t easy to find out as the organization had to go through thousands of pages of privacy policies as well as filings from companies in the so-called “insurtech” industry. The research turned up some alarming discoveries including that many consumers might be waving their privacy rights without even knowing it.
As they explained, when you first buy a car and set it up, you’ll usually be required to agree to terms to proceed. Most people simply click ‘Ok’ without reading or thinking as they simply want to enjoy their new vehicle.
Data collection isn’t limited to cars themselves as the Mitsubishi Road Assist+ app reportedly collects a ton of information. This includes speeding, driving at night, and incidents of hard braking. Mitsubishi reportedly never sees this data, but it’s put on a “telematics exchange that counts dozens of car insurance companies as paying partners.”
More: Cybertruck Attack Exposes Chilling Truth About How Much Cars Spy On Us
Location data is also valuable, even though it’s highly personal. In particular, the report says where you drive can be used against you.
Thankfully, there are ways to minimize your exposure. This ranges from filling out automaker forms to adjusting app settings. Both require a bit of digging, but Consumer Reports noted there are normally some tradeoffs.
While that’s just a brief overview of the investigation, the entire report is worth a read, especially considering the implications. As Consumer Reports’ director of technology policy, Justin Brookman, said “Data about how and where you drive your car is very personal and sensitive, and companies should only be collecting and sharing that data when it’s necessary for a service a consumer has requested.” He added, “Burying something in a legal agreement or where they’re not likely to notice isn’t real consent and automakers should knock it off.”
