GoKawiilNortheastern/Consumer Reports study finds widespread, opaque car data tracking across 19 brands
Researchers from Northeastern University and Consumer Reports analyzed 21 late-model vehicles from 19 automakers and 30 companion apps to examine how connected cars collect and transmit driver data. The study, led by David Choffnes, examined where data goes, whether it crosses international borders, and what personally identifiable information gets exposed. It follows the FTC's 2024 penalty against General Motors for selling location and driving data without consent, and smaller fines against Ford and Honda over opt-out difficulties.
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The findings suggest that data collection concerns previously tied to GM may be an industry-wide practice rather than an isolated case, according to the researchers. Because owners reportedly have little visibility or control over what's collected, the study could fuel renewed regulatory scrutiny of automakers' data practices. This may also pressure lawmakers or agencies to establish clearer consent and disclosure standards for connected-vehicle data.
- Northeastern and Consumer Reports studied 21 vehicles from 19 brands and 30 companion apps to assess data privacy practices.
- The research follows FTC action against GM for illegal data collection and lesser fines against Ford and Honda over opt-out barriers.
- Lead researcher David Choffnes says the study reveals extensive, poorly controlled data tracking across the connected-car industry.
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Published there as: “Your car’s data privacy problems are worse than you think”
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