Vehicles Spew Data to Tech Giants: Widespread Surveillance in New Cars

Researchers from Northeastern University, working with Consumer Reports, have uncovered widespread data sharing between vehicles and third-party companies. The study tested 21 vehicles and 30 companion apps, finding that most sent data to outside firms.

Among the apps tested, 28 sent data to at least one 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 put it, 'buyers cannot currently purchase a new car that does not track them.'