GM reaches $220M settlement over selling drivers’ private data
As part of the settlement, GM must get drivers’ express consent before it collects or shares their driving and location data.
General Motors agreed to a $220 million settlement with 36 states to resolve allegations that the automaker illegally sold private driving behavior and location data to data brokers. This settlement requires GM to obtain express consent from drivers before collecting or sharing their data, aligning with previous agreements with California and the Federal Trade Commission.
Additionally, GM must have a third-party assess its compliance with the privacy program. The settlement stems from a lawsuit by attorneys general from the 36 states, claiming GM sold the data to insurance providers. GM discontinued the Smart Driver program in 2024, which collected and rated driving behaviors and seatbelt use. Despite discontinuation, legal action persisted.
The FTC finalized a ban on GM and OnStar sharing certain consumer data. GM now focuses on protecting customer privacy and has updated its privacy policy, creating a consumer-facing Privacy Center. The settlement and mandated changes come as sensor-laden vehicles with computing power enter the market.
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