Cars Secretly Share Data with Tech Giants Like Amazon and Google

Researchers at Northeastern University collaborated with Consumer Reports to investigate data sharing by vehicle companion apps. The study tested 21 vehicles and found widespread data transmission to third-party companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft.

The researchers discovered that 28 of the 30 companion apps shared data with outside firms, while seven apps sent personally identifiable information such as names, vehicle identification numbers, or precise locations. The study also found that certain vehicles, like the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer, Lucid Air, and Tesla models, sent data to more outside companies than others.

One co-author noted that 'buyers cannot currently purchase a new car that does not track them.'