In response to a major data leak, the German union IG Metall has pressed American automaker Tesla to alert its German employees about potential legal violations related to personal data. The appeal follows the public leak and a detailed report published by Handelsblatt, with confirmation from the Russian news agency TASS.
A spokesperson for the union, Dirk Schulze, stated that the published materials make it clear that personal data of Tesla staff were misused. He emphasized the seriousness of the breach and the need for transparent communication to staff about privacy safeguards and any investigations underway.
Handelsblatt had released the conclusions of an analysis covering 23,000 files containing confidential Tesla information, obtained from an insider. The analysis alleged that many Tesla personnel retain broad access to current and former employee data through internal channels. The data reportedly includes home addresses, bank details, phone numbers, and payroll information, suggesting gaps in access control and data governance within the company.
TASS reported that the publication was meant to demonstrate to the public that Tesla may not be adequately protecting the data of employees, business partners, and customers. In the wake of the release, Tesla signaled plans to pursue court action over alleged data theft, underscoring the potential legal ramifications for the company and its data handling practices.
There is also an unclear note in the coverage regarding Michelin, with references indicating prior knowledge or involvement tied to Michelin and a remark about selling a business in Russia. The exact context remains unsettled and has not been clarified in the current reporting.