Data-Tracking Cars Expose Buyers' Private Info

A study by Northeastern University researchers and Consumer Reports found widespread data sharing among vehicle manufacturers and third-party companies. The team tested 21 vehicles and 30 companion apps, discovering that 28 of the apps sent data to at least one outside advertising or analytics company.

The study revealed that Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft were among the recipients of driver data. Additionally, the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer, Lucid Air, and both Tesla models tested sent data to the most outside firms.

Seven apps shared personally identifiable information such as names, vehicle identification numbers, or precise locations. This has raised concerns about buyer privacy, with one co-author stating that buyers cannot currently purchase a new car that does not track them.