Data collected by cars and sold to third parties

This week's story examines the growing concern over data privacy and collection practices by major automakers. The Federal Trade Commission recently levied a five-year ban on General Motors selling customer data to data brokers, stemming from years of collecting and sharing driving information. Many drivers were unaware that data was being collected when they signed up for OnStar services.

The collection process and policies are often confusing and spread across multiple systems, making it difficult for consumers to understand and manage their data. Consumer Reports found that nearly every major U.S. automaker engages in similar data collection and sharing practices. While lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at giving vehicle owners more control over their data, privacy advocates argue that preventing excessive data collection in the first place is a more effective solution.

There is also a growing demand among consumers for simpler vehicles with less data collection, but automakers have financial incentives to continue collecting data.