A new report by the Mozilla Foundation has found that cars are the worst category of products for privacy. The report, which analysed 25 car brands, found that 92% of automakers provide drivers with little to no control over their personal data, and 84% share user data with outside parties.
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The report also found that car companies collect a wide range of personal data, including:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Email address
- Photos
- Calendar information
- Driver’s race, genetic information, and immigration status
- Information about how the car is being used, such as how fast it is driven and where it is driven
Mozilla also found that car companies often do not have strong security measures in place to protect this data. As a result, there is a risk that this data could be stolen or misused.
The report’s findings are particularly concerning given the increasing number of connected cars on the road. These cars are equipped with a variety of sensors and other devices that collect data about the driver and the car’s environment. This data can then be used to track the driver’s movements, habits, and preferences.
The Mozilla Foundation is calling on car companies to do more to protect the privacy of their customers. The organization is also urging consumers to be aware of the privacy risks associated with connected cars and to take steps to protect their own data.
Here are some tips for protecting your privacy when using a connected car:
- Read the car’s privacy policy carefully and understand how your data is being collected and used.
- Opt out of any data collection or sharing features that you don’t need.
- Use a strong password to protect your car’s infotainment system.
- Keep your car’s software up to date.
- Be careful about what information you share about yourself while driving.
