Almost every car manufacturer sells your data

It is not only your car, because even the automobile smartphone applications quietly collect data on each of your movements

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High -technology smartphones and cars collect a ton of information, which can be used in different ways. In the case of insurance, this data can be used to increase rates or refuse to refuse coverage.

While Allstate and General Motors have made the news for their data tactics, they are far from the only companies involved. It is clear from a new Consumer Reports The survey, which noted that “almost all car manufacturers who sell cars in the United States are … the collection and sharing of” drivers behavior data “with other companies”.

Plus: FTC prohibits GM from selling driving data for 5 years

It was not easy to discover because the organization had to go through thousands of pages of confidentiality policies as well as documents from companies in the so -called “Assurtech” industry. Research has revealed alarming discoveries, especially that many consumers could wave their privacy rights without even knowing it.

As they explained, when you buy a car for the first time and configure it, you will usually have to accept conditions to continue. Most people just click on “OK” without reading or thinking because they just want to enjoy their new vehicle.

Data collection is not limited to cars themselves, because the Mitsubishi Road Assist + application has collected a ton of information. This includes speed, driving at night and hard braking incidents. Mitsubishi would never have seen this data, but it is placed on a “exchange of telematics which has dozens of automotive insurance companies as paid partners”.

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Location data is also precious, even if they are very personal. In particular, the report indicates where you drive can be used against you.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize your exhibition. This ranges from the filling of automaker forms to adjust the application parameters. Both require a little excavation, but consumer relationships have noted that there are normally certain compromises.

Although it is only a brief overview of the investigation, the entire report deserves to be read, in particular given the implications. As director of the technological policy of Consumer Reports, Justin Brookman, said: “The data on how and the place where you drive your car are very personal and sensitive, and companies should not collect and share this data when it is necessary for a service that a consumer has requested.” He added: “Burning something in a legal agreement or where they are not likely to notice is not a real consent and the car manufacturers should make it fall.”