Exploring how cars can log personal data and share it with insurance companies, leading to privacy concerns. Detailed discussion on a man suing G.M. and LexisNexis over Cadillac data sale. Raises awareness about privacy risks in connected cars and the lack of transparency in monitoring driving behavior for insurance purposes.
Connected cars can collect and share detailed driver data without full consent.
Integration of technology in vehicles raises concerns about privacy breaches and surveillance.
Deep dives
The Intrusion of Connected Cars on Privacy
The podcast delves into the privacy implications of modern cars, now transformed into smart technology hubs. With the increasing connectivity to the internet, cars are gathering significant amounts of data about drivers' behaviors and locations. Through the story of Christine and her abusive husband, the episode highlights the alarming ease with which personal data from connected cars can be exploited to track individuals surreptitiously. Christine's experience with her Mercedes car being used to stalk her sheds light on the potential dangers posed by the integration of technology in vehicles.
Automakers' Role in Data Sharing and Privacy Breaches
The episode reveals how car companies, particularly General Motors, have been sharing driver data with third-party companies like LexisNexis, without the full knowledge or consent of the drivers. The Smart Driver program, marketed as a tool to enhance driving skills, was unknowingly enabling the collection and sharing of detailed driving behaviors to external entities. This data exchange led to unforeseen consequences, including increased insurance rates and privacy violations, sparking a legal case against General Motors.
Wider Implications of Data Collection in Connected Cars
By exploring the broader implications of data collection in connected cars, the episode underscores the evolving landscape of technology in vehicles. The pervasiveness of internet-connected devices in cars raises concerns about privacy breaches and surveillance, encompassing issues beyond individual exploitation to corporate practices. As automakers navigate the integration of technology, questions about data security, privacy protection, and consumer awareness become increasingly pertinent, reflecting a critical juncture in redefining the privacy norms in the automotive industry.
Warning: this episode contains a discussion about domestic abuse.
As cars become ever more sophisticated pieces of technology, they’ve begun sharing information about their drivers, sometimes with unnerving consequences.
Kashmir Hill, a features writer for The Times, explains what information cars can log and what that can mean for their owners.
Guest: Kashmir Hill, a features writer on the business desk at The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode