A new study by researchers at Northeastern University, in partnership with Consumer Reports, reveals that modern connected vehicles and their companion apps routinely collect and share vast amounts of personal data with tech giants and third-party trackers. Researchers tested 21 late-model vehicles and 30 mobile apps, exposing the deep extent to which drivers’ privacy is compromised.
The findings indicate that the majority of tested cars transmit traffic data to external entities, while several apps leak sensitive details such as vehicle identification numbers, email addresses, and precise GPS locations. Pairing a mobile app with the vehicle roughly doubles a consumer’s exposure to tracking and advertising networks, enabling data brokers to build comprehensive profiles that are frequently sold to insurers and financial institutions.
Most automakers shifted the blame rather than addressing the privacy shortcomings, though exceptions like Honda showed willingness to improve practices. The study underscores the urgent need for better transparency and stricter data protection standards in the automotive industry.
- Connected vehicles and companion apps gather extensive personal data.
- Sensitive details like location and VIN are shared with third-party advertisers.
- Using vehicle mobile apps roughly doubles a driver’s exposure to tracking.
- Automakers largely deflected responsibility for the data collection practices.
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