Summary
– 96% of consumers want to own their vehicle data
– 78% of surveyed consumers are uncomfortable with automakers collecting their data
– Modern cars collect large amounts of data, and consumers may not be fully aware of this
– Automakers are not following best practices in cybersecurity regarding vehicle data
– Tesla does not sell consumer data to third-party companies and prioritizes data privacy
Article
A recent survey conducted by car insurance app Jerry found that 96 percent of drivers believe they should have ownership over the data generated by their vehicles. The survey, which included over 1,300 adults who lease or own vehicles they drive at least once a week, also revealed that 78 percent of respondents were uncomfortable with automakers collecting their data. This comes at a time when many companies are looking to utilize vehicle data as a source of revenue, raising concerns about consumer awareness regarding data privacy and ownership.
Andy Chatham, co-founder of the connected vehicle platform DIMO, highlighted the substantial amount of data collection in modern cars, such as Tesla’s 360-degree camera view. He noted that consumers are less aware of their vehicles’ data collection practices compared to their phones and computers. Chatham emphasized the importance of automakers following best practices in cybersecurity and granting vehicle owners access to their own data. He also mentioned the need for companies to open up their APIs to allow developers to create applications using vehicle data, similar to Tesla’s current approach.
The survey results indicate a gap in consumer awareness when it comes to vehicle data ownership and privacy. Many consumers may not fully understand how their vehicles are connected to the internet and how their data is being utilized by various stakeholders, including manufacturers, insurance providers, and data brokers. Companies like Tesla have implemented measures to protect consumer data privacy, but challenges remain in ensuring transparency and control over vehicle data.
Recent incidents involving data privacy violations, such as General Motors’ partnership with a data broker selling customer data to insurance companies without consent, have raised concerns among consumers. Tesla stands out for its commitment to protecting consumer data privacy, stating that personal data is never sold, tracked, or shared without permission. The company’s approach to data privacy has influenced changes in vehicle design, according to Elon Musk.
As the auto industry continues to shift towards electric vehicles and software-driven mobility, the issue of data ownership and privacy will become increasingly important for both consumers and automakers. Enhancing consumer awareness and understanding of vehicle data practices, as well as implementing robust cybersecurity measures, will be essential in building trust and ensuring data protection. Companies that prioritize consumer privacy and transparency in data collection and usage are likely to establish a competitive advantage in the evolving automotive landscape.
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