From immigration status to sexual orientation, here’s what information your car may be collecting – NBC Chicago

It’s common to hear about devices like mobile phones and fitness trackers collecting data on their users.

But have you thought about what is collected by your car?

A group of researchers from the Mozilla Foundation recently studied the data collection policies of the world’s 25 most popular automobile brands. They found that 84% of car manufacturers share your personal data.

According to privacy policies shared on automaker websites, Nissan said it may collect data about your psychological tendencies, behavior, intelligence, immigration status and religious or philosophical beliefs to share with third parties for advertising and marketing purposes.

The Privacy Policy states that Nissan collects this information directly from you and other data provider companies, as well as from your interactions with its platforms and dealers.

Kia’s privacy policy states that it may collect information about your sex life and sexual orientation.

According to Kia, “the processing of personal information varies depending on our relationship and interactions with you and depends on the services you have used” and “this information may be shared or sold to third parties” such as “partners of analysis, advertising networks and social networks”.

According to Tesla’s privacy policy, the company can record video from inside the vehicle to “…further develop future safety features” if the driver allows data sharing.

“Confidentiality not included”

“Every car that comes out of parking lots today has sensors, cameras inside, cameras outside, the apps you use, the connected services you use, all of that collects data about you ” said Jen Caltrider, program manager. Director of Privacy not included at the Mozilla Foundation. She explained how vehicles collect all this information about you.

“Sometimes if you download an app, you know, you’ll get the ‘click here’ to agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions when you download and install it. And most people just click that button and never watch anything,” Caltrider said.

According to the Mozilla Foundation, data can be connected through your car’s connected services platform when you plug in your mobile phone.

Caltrider said some of the data collection could be useful to consumers.

“If the car has an onboard camera, it can tell if you look sleepy. So there are some safety features that the data that cars can collect can help with.

Protecting Consumer Data Privacy in Illinois

Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin also wants to see stronger consumer protection laws when it comes to the data your car collects. She introduced the Privacy Rights Act to Springfield.

“I want to make sure that I have the opportunity to say no, I don’t want you to collect the data and/or delete the data that you have on me. That’s my concern. This bill will help give everyone more personal rights when it comes to protecting your data,” Rezin said.

Federal Oversight of Consumer Data Collection

In response to the Mozilla Foundation report, U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how and why cars collect much of our personal data. The FTC would not say whether it was investigating the matter.

NBC 5 Responds reached out to the three automakers mentioned in our article for more information on why they collect data and how they use it.

Nissan told us in part: “When we collect or share personal data, we comply with all applicable laws and provide the greatest transparency to allow our consumers to make informed decisions about their data. We have clear methods for consumers to opt out of the collection, use and sharing of personal data.

We haven’t heard back from Kia, but in response to Senator Markey’s inquiry, the company said in part that it “takes our consumers’ privacy and data security seriously” and ” …constantly seeks ways to improve its own privacy and security practices.

Kia has also expressed support for a federal privacy law to ensure consumer privacy is protected.

Tesla told Senator Markey: “Our privacy notice is designed to provide transparency about our data practices in an easy-to-read and easy-to-navigate format. The notice includes sections describing Tesla’s approach to how we collect, use, share and protect customer information to provide the most seamless vehicle and energy experience imaginable.

Additional Resources and Commentary

• Senator Ed Markey’s letter to automakers inquiring about their privacy policies can be viewed here.
• Automakers’ responses to Senator Markey’s survey can be found here.