Recent disclosures by a well-known nonprofit research group highlight how car makers collect a broad range of personal data from customers. The data in question spans intimate areas such as sexual activity, health indicators, and facial expressions, underscoring growing concerns about how privacy is safeguarded in modern mobility. (Attribution: Mozilla Foundation)
Analysts examined privacy practices among 25 leading automobile brands across the United States, Germany, Japan, France, and South Korea. They found consistently low levels of privacy protection, with data collected through an ecosystem of sensors, microphones, cameras, connected devices, and mobile apps. Customer information can be gathered via in-car systems, dealer websites, and telematics platforms, and may be shared with third parties or repurposed by the companies themselves. (Attribution: Mozilla Foundation)
Some brands have explicitly stated in their privacy policies the scope of data collection. For instance, Nissan notes the potential collection of highly sensitive information, including genetic data, sexual activity, and health details. Kia indicates that it may collect information about an individual’s sex life. Volkswagen flags the capture of demographic attributes and driving behaviors, such as seat belt usage. These examples illustrate how privacy language can range from broad to very specific in the automotive sector. (Attribution: Mozilla Foundation)
Industry experts argue that several well-known brands, including BMW, Ford, Toyota, Tesla, Kia, and Subaru, bear responsibility for lapses in protecting consumer data. The research also identifies Renault as having comparatively fewer privacy concerns in this area. Projections suggest the personal data generated through connected cars could reach a global market value of roughly $750 billion by 2030, underscoring the financial stakes tied to privacy practices and data governance. (Attribution: Mozilla Foundation)
A separate notice mentions a legal issue involving a manufacturer in Saint Petersburg related to a defective vehicle, reflecting ongoing regulatory and consumer protection challenges within the automotive landscape. While details vary, the incident underscores the broader context in which privacy and product quality intersect in today’s vehicle ecosystems. (Attribution: Mozilla Foundation)