Study Reveals Widespread Vehicle Data Sharing with Tech Giants

Researchers from Northeastern University, in collaboration with Consumer Reports, conducted an investigation into vehicle data sharing. The team tested 21 vehicles and 30 companion apps, revealing widespread data sharing with third parties.

Of the apps examined, 28 sent data to at least one outside advertising or analytics company, while seven shared personally identifiable information such as names, vehicle identification numbers, or precise locations.

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

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