🚨21 Cars Share Data with Big Tech, Privacy Risks Loom
Your car is sharing your data with Big Tech
TL;DR
A study by Northeastern University and Consumer Reports found 21 cars from 19 brands share data with advertisers and tech giants like Microsoft and Adobe. Using the companion app can exacerbate the issue, raising privacy concerns.
Researchers at Northeastern University and Consumer Reports tested 21 cars from 19 different brands and found they share data with advertisers and tech giants like Microsoft and Adobe. This is a major privacy concern for car owners, especially when using the companion app, which multiplies the problem. The study involved 11 electric cars parked in a Faraday tent, revealing that all cars contacted a first-party domain, while some contacted up to 34 third-party domains. Automakers like General Motors, Toyota, and Nissan were among the worst offenders, with some cars contacting over 20 new advertising, tracking, and analytics companies via the app.
Key Points
21 cars from 19 brands tested for data sharing with third parties.
Tesla's Model 3 contacted 34 advertising, tracking, and analytics domains.
General Motors, Toyota, and Nissan were the worst offenders.
Using the companion app can expose users to over 20 new tracking companies.
Honda changed its data practices, no longer sharing precise location data.
Why It Matters
If you own a connected car, your data is likely being shared with third parties. This affects privacy and security, especially when using the companion app. Automakers like GM, Toyota, and Nissan are among the worst offenders, with some cars contacting over 20 new tracking companies via the app.
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