In a letter sent to automakers last week, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) requested the manufacturers disclose to Congress whether their cars collect personal data from drivers.
Merkley asked automakers to answer four questions: Is data-collection technology installed in automobiles? In what circumstances is data collected? Can consumers opt-out? Who owns the data collected?
Automakers also were asked to provide a comprehensive list of all types of data collected and to specify what security measures are in place to protect consumer privacy and prevent data breaches.
“Given that a modern car is reportedly capable of collecting this consumer data at a rate of 25 gigabytes per hour, the question of who owns this data is equally pressing, Merkley said. “It is understandable that this data is used to improve performance and safety, though it may be unclear to many consumers what level of ownership they have over the data collected by the car they own or are leasing.”
Many modern vehicles have the computing power of 20 personal computers. Some technology has improved safety, but other types have raised security and privacy concerns. If drivers use Bluetooth technology, for example, could their cars access personal or financial information from drivers’ smartphones?