GoKawiilStudy finds connected cars routinely share driver data with ad-tech firms
A peer-reviewed study by Northeastern University researchers, conducted with Consumer Reports, tested 21 vehicles from 17 automakers and 30 companion apps. It found 19 of the 21 vehicles sent data to at least one third party, and seven apps shared sensitive information such as VINs, emails, phone numbers and precise location with companies tied to advertising and tracking, including Adobe, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Snap and Yahoo.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings suggest connected-car features generate detailed consumer profiles that can be resold to insurers and banks, making it harder for drivers to avoid tracking short of forgoing convenience features like remote start. Pairing a companion app with the vehicle roughly doubled exposure to tracking companies, according to the researchers, which points to app ecosystems as a major amplifier of the privacy risk. Because manufacturers were notified of the results, this could prompt policy or design changes, though the article does not report any commitments yet.
- 19 of 21 tested vehicles sent data to at least one third party.
- Seven of 30 companion apps shared sensitive data like VINs and location with ad-tracking firms.
- Using a companion app roughly doubled a vehicle's exposure to tracking and advertising companies.
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Published there as: “Your car and its mobile app are probably handing over all kinds of data to tech companies”
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