Your car and its mobile app are probably handing over all kinds of data to tech companies

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-29T22:20:42.839Z • Permanent link

Car manufacturers have been quietly handing over vast amounts of data to tech companies through their mobile apps, revealing a disturbing trend that highlights the intersection of the automotive and tech industries. According to a recent investigation by techcrunch.com, major car manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen have been collecting sensitive data from their vehicle owners through various means, including mobile apps and telematics systems. For instance, GM's OnStar system, which has been a standard feature in many of its vehicles, collects data on driving habits, location, and even the vehicle's physical condition. Similarly, Ford's SYNC system has been known to collect data on driver behavior, including speed and acceleration patterns.

These data points can be used to create detailed profiles of individual drivers, which can be shared with third-party companies, including insurance providers, advertisers, and even law enforcement agencies. This raises significant concerns about data privacy and security, as well as the potential for exploitation by malicious actors. For example, a recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that hackers had gained access to the OnStar system, allowing them to remotely unlock and start vehicles. Such incidents highlight the need for greater transparency and regulation in the collection and use of sensitive data by car manufacturers.

The extent of this data collection is staggering, with some estimates suggesting that car manufacturers are collecting over 100GB of data per vehicle per year. This data can be used to improve vehicle performance, safety, and fuel efficiency, but it also raises concerns about the potential for data misuse. For instance, a study by the University of California, Berkeley found that car manufacturers were collecting data on driver behavior that could be used to predict and prevent accidents, but also to target advertising and sales efforts.

The implications of this data collection are far-reaching, with significant consequences for the Global Knowledge Bases domain. Research communities and policymakers are likely to be concerned about the potential for data misuse and exploitation, particularly in the context of emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles. For example, the European Union has implemented strict regulations on the collection and use of personal data, and similar regulations are likely to be implemented in other countries. Affected companies, including car manufacturers and tech companies, will need to adapt to these new regulations and ensure that their data collection practices are transparent and secure.

The impact on markets and policy environments is also significant. The data collection practices of car manufacturers are likely to influence the development of new technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, and the regulatory frameworks that govern their use. For instance, the NHTSA has issued guidelines for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles, which will likely be shaped by the data collection practices of car manufacturers. Policymakers will also need to consider the implications of data collection for public safety, road infrastructure, and the broader economy.

The trend of car manufacturers collecting sensitive data through mobile apps and telematics systems is part of a larger pattern of increasing data collection and exploitation in the tech industry. This trend is reflected in the growing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and marketing. For instance, a recent report by the McKinsey Global Institute found that AI and machine learning could drive significant productivity gains in the healthcare industry, but also raise concerns about data privacy and security.