Cars Share Data with Tech Giants

A recent study by Northeastern University and Consumer Reports reveals that many modern cars share data with third-party companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. Researchers tested 21 vehicles and 30 companion apps, finding widespread data sharing. In fact, 28 of the apps sent data to at least one outside advertising or analytics company.

Seven of the companion apps shared personally identifiable information such as names, vehicle identification numbers, or precise locations with third parties. The study's authors warn that buyers cannot currently purchase a new car that does not track them in some way.

The study found that certain vehicles were more likely to share data than others. The Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer, Lucid Air, and both Tesla models tested sent data to the most outside firms.