Have you recently purchased a shiny new vehicle? It might not just be the engine that’s revving up but also the accumulation of your driving data. Yes, your car could be spying on you, and you might not be aware. According to Consumer Reports, many major automakers are tracking drivers’ behavior, often without drivers fully comprehending the extent of this intrusion.

Data Collection Behind the Wheel

In a recent insightful investigation by Consumer Reports, it was revealed that companies like BMW, Ford, Toyota, and Honda collect vast amounts of driver behavior data. This includes details like how hard drivers brake or how fast they accelerate. Such information collection starts right at the moment you click “agree” on those privacy forms during the setup of your car’s infotainment system. Little do most people realize that these consent forms authorize automakers to gather and sometimes share your personal driving habits.

Who Gets Your Data?

The big question to ponder is - where does this data end up? Automakers claim that they share this information with trusted partners and only with drivers’ consent. However, when pressed to reveal these entities, nearly all automakers remained tight-lipped. Most often, the trail leads to insurance companies and financial lenders. Your driving data contributes to a “driver score,” akin to a credit score, influencing insurance premiums and loan conditions.

Reclaiming Your Driving Privacy

Luckily, there are measures you can take to reclaim control. Most automakers offer options to restrict data sharing or to request deletion of collected data. You can usually find these options on the automaker’s website or through your vehicle’s connected mobile application. However, there is a balancing act: choosing privacy may mean losing functionalities like roadside assistance or crash notifications.

Awareness is growing, and legal frameworks are catching up. Currently, sixteen states have privacy laws mandating that companies let customers opt out of such data collection. More states are expected to follow, providing further support for drivers intent on protecting their information.

A Few Minutes That Matter

Taking a few minutes to adjust your privacy settings could shield your driving habits from becoming a corporate commodity. With such simple steps, you can transform how your personal information is shared, ensuring that the road remains solely yours to traverse.

While the convenience of modern vehicles brings countless benefits, it’s critical to stay informed about what you’re agreeing to. As stated in WAFB, keeping your data private is as essential as any safety feature.