This study looks at how and with whom connected cars share your data

A study by Northeastern University and Consumer Reports reveals that modern connected cars frequently share user data with advertisers, trackers, and major tech firms. Researchers found that data transmission occurs even when vehicles are idling, and companion apps significantly increase the volume of shared information.
Why it matters
As vehicles become increasingly digitized, the privacy risks associated with connected car data collection are becoming a significant concern for consumer protection.
faraday tent This study looks at how and with whom connected cars share your data Between the cars and their companion apps, you’re exposed to a lot of trackers.
63 Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav In news that should surprise very few, connected cars remain a complete privacy nightmare. But now we have a better idea of what data those cars are giving away, and to whom, thanks to a study conducted by a team of researchers at Northeastern University and Consumer Reports . Testing 21 cars from 19 different brands revealed patterns of traffic to advertisers and trackers, as well as data shared with Big Tech firms like Microsoft and Adobe. And using a car’s companion app can multiply the problem, their testing found.
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