Privacy Concerns In Smart Cars: The Security & Privacy Of Smart Vehicles

We know the day you buy your dream smart car will be your happiest. You would think your work has been easier than your old car as you don’t have to take much stress off your safety & other concerns. Of course, the smart sensors or trackers would work best for you, but wait!! There is the most significant risk associated with it. Multiple generations have grown up with phones in their hand, computer tablets, and now internet-based smart cars. You understand where all this stuff goes, where all your data is. All that information is public. Do you want to know that in detail or precisely, we have covered you?

Here are some of the critical privacy concerns in smart cars:

Data Collection and Storage
Data Sharing and Third-Party Access
Location Tracking
Cybersecurity Risks
Over-the-Air Updates
In-Car Voice Assistants
Ownership and Resale of Data
Lack of Standards and Regulations

Modern cars a ‘privacy concern’

A privacy nightmare. That's what a nonprofit group says about new cars and the data they're collecting on drivers. They know your driving habits. They know how fast you drive. They know how quickly you stop and how quickly you start.

And the list goes on and on. Experts say insurance companies could use the data to determine premiums. According to a new study by the Mozilla Foundation, it's easy to get information.

It found that cars scored the worst for privacy among a dozen apps and electronic devices studied. 19 25 popular car brands say they can sell drivers' data. And half acknowledge they'll share your information with the government or law enforcement if asked.

Researchers say those fancy gadgets in newer cars like cameras, microphones, and apps could collect data on you. Research from ExpressVPN claims that 84% of car companies may just share that information with other businesses.

They were astounded when they saw that they could collect information on things like sexual activity and sex life but could get no answers on how they actually might be doing that. So how can you protect yourself?

Some car companies allow you to opt out of data collection but warn that it may impact functionality. Experts say with no federal laws in place to protect consumers, you need to do your homework.

Are Smart Cars or Vehicles Offering You Security or Spying on You?

Precis:- Some smart cars have cameras, which can record your driving and footage of you or your family members. This data can create a detailed life profile, covering everything from your daily habits and interests to your social connections. These in-built cameras go beyond just monitoring your time behind the wheel and provide a comprehensive snapshot of various aspects of your lifestyle.

Smart cars collect extensive information about your driving habits, from location and speed to acceleration and braking patterns.
This data, in turn, contributes to enhancing the vehicle's overall performance.
Certain smart cars are equipped with in-built cameras capable of recording the driver and passengers, creating a comprehensive profile that includes daily routines, interests, and social networks.
Manufacturers argue that tracking this personal information is crucial for improving vehicle safety. For example, the data could be utilized to identify potential road hazards and provide timely alerts. Moreover, it may contribute to refining the performance of autonomous vehicles. Despite these potential benefits, privacy concerns arise, with individuals worried about their data being used to track them without consent and the possibility of unauthorized sales to third-party businesses.
Security of Updates: As smart cars receive over-the-air updates to improve functionality and address vulnerabilities, there's a risk that malicious software could be introduced, leading to unauthorized data access or control of vehicle systems.
Hacking and Unauthorized Access: Smart cars are susceptible to cybersecurity threats. Personal data can be accessed or manipulated if a vehicle's systems are compromised. Unauthorized access to in-car cameras or microphones is a particular concern.

How Smart Cars Are Tracking You?

Connected devices, including smart cars, can collect and share information about their owners, encompassing location, driving habits, and car performance data.
Smart cars' ability to track their owners depends on the car's type, make, features, and settings. ExpressVPN highlights 20 ways smart cars can follow users, addressing concerns related to GPS tracking, telematics systems, access features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, information and entertainment systems, and mobile apps.
For instance, GPS technology, while essential for navigation features, raises concerns about the car knowing its location.
Telematics systems send performance and repair information to manufacturers. Access features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi offer convenience but also spark privacy concerns.
Information and entertainment systems can track personal data, while mobile apps provide remote control over car features, location tracking, and alerts.
Looking ahead, the future of smart cars holds exciting transformations for cities. Trends like Automotive Open System Architecture (AUTOSTAR) integration, personalized car experiences through subscription models, the rise of autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality will reshape urban landscapes. These advancements pave the way for completely autonomous vehicles, fostering safer driving environments and contributing to the evolution of smarter cities.

Solution: Standards and Regulations

The lack of standardized privacy regulations for smart cars can result in inconsistent practices among manufacturers, leading to varying levels of user protection.

Addressing these privacy concerns requires collaboration among industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and technology developers to establish clear standards, robust security measures, and transparent data usage policies to safeguard users' privacy in smart cars. Many technology blog websites are publishing these kinds of concerns frequently. There is a possibility that government bodies will see it and take action.

The day you drove your dream smart car off the lot was undoubtedly a triumph, with visions of enhanced safety and efficiency dancing in your head. However, lurking beneath the surface is a significant risk that demands our attention. The unassuming cameras built into some smart cars, initially meant for capturing the essence of your journeys, pose a more profound question: Are these vehicles truly providing security, or are they inadvertently becoming silent observers of our lives?

The data they gather, extending beyond mere driving habits to encompass daily routines, interests, and social connections, paints a comprehensive portrait of our lifestyles. Smart cars, armed with the ability to collect intricate details about your driving behaviors, contribute to improving vehicle performance. Integrating in-built AI tools , cameras, recording you and your passengers, adds an extra layer to this narrative, creating profiles that delve into the minutiae of our lives. All this indirectly creates security risks for you. So, you should wisely permit them.

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.