Connected Cars Track You: Alarming New Study

Connected vehicles are increasingly acting like smartphones, collecting extensive data on driving habits and locations. A recent investigation by Northeastern University and Consumer Reports analyzed 21 vehicles from 19 brands and their associated mobile apps. The study revealed that all tested vehicles transmitted data to at least one third-party domain, frequently engaging with companies specializing in advertising, tracking, or analytics.

Furthermore, companion mobile applications linked to these vehicles were found to be transmitting sensitive information such as vehicle identification numbers (VINs), phone numbers, and precise locations directly to advertising networks. Over 70 percent of the tested apps contacted at least five unique advertising, tracking, or analytics domains. This practice allows data brokers to build detailed profiles of individual drivers, often without their full understanding or explicit permission.

Researchers emphasized that consumers have minimal visibility and control over the data collected by their vehicles and related apps. While some automakers have acknowledged the findings and begun implementing software fixes, experts suggest that greater transparency and explicit opt-in consent are crucial for regaining consumer trust in the connected automotive market.