Ford Pledges No Sale of Your Driving Data

Ford has committed to never selling customer driving data to third-party data brokers, introducing a significant privacy promise. The company intends to protect user information through aggregation and anonymization, offering transparent details about data utilization. Customers will be able to customize their data-sharing levels, though this may affect access to certain vehicle features.

This pledge arrives as other automakers face scrutiny for unauthorized data sharing. Recent reports highlight widespread data transmission by car brands to analytics and advertising firms, with one study labeling connected cars as the worst product category for privacy. Ford's initiative seeks to establish trust by ensuring personal information remains secure.

Ford's assurance is backed by the potential for Federal Trade Commission intervention if promises are broken. However, the company's official privacy policy and connected vehicle terms contain standard exceptions, such as for law enforcement requests or service providers. Adjusting data sharing settings may lead to a trade-off, potentially disabling features like built-in navigation or remote start functionalities.