Car Apps Spill Driver Data to Tech Giants
Researchers at Northeastern University and Consumer Reports tested 21 vehicles and 30 companion apps from various automakers, revealing that many of them share personal data with tech giants. The study found that 28 out of 30 companion apps sent data to at least one outside advertising or analytics company.
The researchers discovered that seven apps shared personally identifiable information, including a driver's name, vehicle identification number (VIN) or precise location. Some popular features may not function without opting in, and the vehicle's connected services may be significantly limited if drivers choose not to share their data.
According to the study, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft were among the companies that received driver data. The Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer, Lucid Air, Tesla Model 3, and Tesla Cybertruck sent data to the largest number of outside advertising and analytics companies.