Are Smart Vehicles Schemes for Surveillance?
If you think the move towards smart vehicles is solely to reduce fossil fuel consumption, think again. There is a hidden agenda – surveillance.
Ford recently filed a patent to listen in on riders in their vehicles. The information gathered will be shared with third parties to customize the ads targeted at passengers based on their conversations. But that’s not all, car manufacturers are also sharing ride data with insurance companies to determine insurance rates. Even older vehicles with basic features like OnStar are being monitored for driving behavior, which is then shared with insurance companies and possibly even the government.
One driver who requested his personal report from LexisNexis received a 258-page document detailing every trip he took in his vehicle over a six-month period. This data is used to create personalized insurance coverage but has raised concerns about privacy violations.
The implications go beyond just advertisements and insurance rates. With microphones and cameras in vehicles, sensitive conversations and actions are being recorded without consent. Automakers have admitted to potentially selling personal data without notice, and law enforcement may have access to this data as well.
Despite Ford claiming that the patent was submitted without concrete plans to use the technology, the US Department of Transportation has the authority to mandate manufacturers to provide vehicle data. This raises concerns about violating the Fourth Amendment rights of individuals, as car manufacturers, advertising companies, and insurance companies have access to personal data without proper authorization.
As our data becomes more valuable, the legal implications of surveillance through smart vehicles remain uncertain. Our freedom of movement and privacy are at stake, and it’s crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of smart vehicles. Stay informed and protect your rights as a driver and consumer in this digital age.