GoKawiilGM to pay $220M settling state probes into Smart Driver data sales
General Motors has agreed to pay $220 million to 35 states and Washington, D.C. to resolve claims it sold driver behavior and location data collected through its Smart Driver program, offered via dealerships from 2016 to 2024, without proper consent. State attorneys general say the data was in some cases used by insurers to raise premiums, with one driver reportedly facing a 22% rate increase. GM ended the program in 2024 and must now get explicit consumer consent before collecting or sharing such data.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The settlement adds to mounting regulatory pressure on automakers over connected-car data practices, following GM's separate 2025 FTC settlement banning driver-data sales for five years. It signals that state attorneys general are willing to treat vehicle telemetry as sensitive personal data requiring explicit consent, which could push the broader auto industry toward stricter data-sharing disclosures. Consumers may also gain more leverage to contest insurance rate changes tied to undisclosed data sales.
- GM will pay $220 million to 35 states and D.C. over its discontinued Smart Driver data program.
- Regulators say driving data was sold to insurers, in one case contributing to a 22% premium hike.
- GM must now obtain affirmative consent before collecting or sharing driving and location data.
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Published there as: “GM’s $220M Payout Shows How Cars Can Secretly Sell Your Driving Data”
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