this post was submitted on 23 Nov 2024
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554
Modern cars are surveillance devices on wheels with major privacy risks – new report (theconversation.com)
submitted 4 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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New research reveals serious privacy flaws in the data practices of new internet connected cars in Australia. It’s yet another reason why we need urgent reform of privacy laws.

Modern cars are increasingly equipped with internet-enabled features. Your “connected car” might automatically detect an accident and call emergency services, or send a notification if a child is left in the back seat.

But connected cars are also sophisticated surveillance devices. The data they collect can create a highly revealing picture of each driver. If this data is misused, it can result in privacy and security threats.

A report published today analysed the privacy terms from 15 of the most popular new car brands that sell connected cars in Australia.

This analysis uncovered concerning practices. There are enormous obstacles for consumers who want to find and understand the privacy terms. Some brands also make inaccurate claims that certain information is not “personal information”, implying the Privacy Act doesn’t apply to that data.

Some companies are also repurposing personal information for “marketing” or “research”, and sharing data with third parties.

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[–] spyd3r 12 points 3 days ago (3 children)

My next vehicle is going to be fully mechanical with a carburetor and no computerized bullshit.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 hours ago

I did.

I had a 2012 mazda 5, everything completely mechanically sound. Immobilizer failure killed the ECU and 3 different electronics specialist, and 2 dealers couldn't get it working.

I bought a 1963 Ranchero (170ci inline six). You'd be amazed how cheap and widely available pretty much ALL the parts for old Fords are too.

It also cost me less than half of a new Corolla.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 days ago

I'm really hoping Aptera is successful. Their main selling point is "solar mobility" basically, they designed a hyper-efficient car that looks sort of odd because efficiency is the main design factors. They hope to gain meaningful charge from solar panels on the vehicle because it's so efficient. They're thinking like 50 miles a day in someplace like California.

But they've also committed to being open with their vehicle and architecture by providing first-party spare parts and supporting open source stuff like open pilot.

If they keep on their consumer-friendly path, I'm hopeful for my data privacy if I get a future car from them

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Just get an early OBD 2 car with no internet access and you are good or get an EFI kit for an old car as well. Carbs suck.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago (2 children)

a well tuned carb will outperform an EFI system

for about two hours. 🤣

EFI is dynamic and adjusts the system as needed. However, a carb can be fixed with almost anything. I have a feeling that some of the older parts for EFI vehicles will be bought by major manufacturers and trashed/over priced to improve new vehicle sales and long term data collection goals. almost exactly how GM parts are today.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago

"Alfa builds a car to be as good as a car can be....briefly".
-Jezza

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

I mean if you are going to live off the grid, then I would just stock up on carb parts then haha. Otherwise, old school port injection EFI is extremely reliable. Just get a Toyota tundra or LandCruiser with the V8 without rust and you are good for 500,000 miles at least.