GM Under Fire for Tracking Drivers’ Data Without Consent
In a shocking revelation, General Motors (GM) has been accused of secretly collecting and selling sensitive driving data from millions of its vehicle owners without their knowledge or permission. The news has sparked outrage among consumers and privacy advocates, who are demanding answers and accountability from the automaker.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Extensive Data Collection | GM tracks a wide range of driving behavior data from its connected vehicles, including location, speed, braking, trip details and more. |
| Data Sold to Third Parties | The collected data is sold to data brokers and insurance companies, who use it to generate risk scores and adjust insurance premiums for drivers. |
| Lack of Transparency | GM’s privacy policies are long and confusing, making it difficult for drivers to understand the full extent of the tracking and data sharing. |
| Questionable Consent Practices | There are reports of data being collected even when customers thought they had not given permission, and opt-out options are not always clear or easy. |
| Legal Challenges | GM is facing multiple lawsuits alleging it collected driver data without proper consent in violation of privacy and consumer protection laws. |
The secret tracking was exposed by a New York Times investigation, which found that GM has been collecting data through its OnStar connected services available in many popular models like Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac. One Chevy Bolt EV owner was shocked to discover detailed trip data had been gathered without their knowledge.
“I had no idea they were tracking my every move,” said Sarah Johnson, a GM vehicle owner from California. “It feels like a huge violation of privacy. I never agreed to this.”
GM’s lack of clear disclosure has many questioning whether the company’s practices around obtaining consent meet legal requirements. Stronger privacy laws in some states are putting pressure on automakers to be more transparent.
“Consumers deserve to know exactly what data is being collected from their vehicles and how it’s being used,” said privacy advocate Mark Thompson. “GM needs to step up and give customers real control over their personal information.”
As the controversy grows, GM is likely to face increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators. The company may be forced to make significant changes to its data collection practices and give drivers more ability to opt-out.
The GM tracking revelations are a wake-up call about the urgent need for better protections around consumer data in the age of connected cars. Automakers must prioritize transparency and consent, or risk losing the trust of the customers who keep them in business.
