Data privacy has been a hot topic in recent months, not only in the world of tech, but also, in the automotive realm as well. Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously called data privacy a “source of tension” between automakers and consumers, one that continues to grow as companies collect more and more data in various ways, oftentimes selling it to third parties. Ford has previously stated that it doesn’t engage in such practices without user consent, but that hasn’t been the case with its cross-town rival, General Motors (GM).
As Ford Authority previously reported, GM found itself in some hot water after a scathing report surfaced exposing the fact that its OnStar Smart Driver feature – which, in some cases, was apparently being activated without owners’ consent or knowledge – was collecting driving data that was being shared with third-party companies like LexisNexis and Verisk to create risk scores, which in turn were used by insurance companies to raise premiums in some cases.
A lawsuit was later filed against GM over these unsavory practices, which caused it to end its relationship with LexisNexis and Verisk. Now, however, Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed another lawsuit against the automaker following an investigation of his own, according to GM Authority, one accusing GM of installing technology on 14 million vehicles that effectively siphons data from users, then sells it to third parties without their consent.
“Our investigation revealed that General Motors has engaged in egregious business practices that violated Texans’ privacy and broke the law,” Paxton said in a statement. “We will hold them accountable. Companies are using invasive technology to violate the rights of our citizens in unthinkable ways. Millions of American drivers wanted to buy a car, not a comprehensive surveillance system that unlawfully records information about every drive they take and sells their data to any company willing to pay for it.”
We’ll have more on automaker privacy practices soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comment
One of the first things the Dealer brought-up while getting me oriented with my newly-delivered Maverick was the many “conveniences” possible by activating the SYNC system and linking it to my cell phone.
It sounded like a no-brainer to me at the time, so I said “Sure, set it up!”
Now I know better. That “Sure, set it up” statement by me (willingly) comprised “legal consent” as represented by Farley. Yes, I consented…but I sure as hell didn’t understand the whole picture. I disabled the system in my Maverick (at least, I think I did). But not until after being played for a chump for at least a year.
Lord knows what personal data they gleaned from me before my eyes were opened.
Still loving the Mav after 12K miles, but irritated by the corporate deception.