Connected cars carry too much information about their drivers! These cars record not only how hard you brake or your driving style, but also where you go and who you know! Does that scare you?
Car drivers may often think that they have greater safety and privacy inside their cars than those using public transport, but the truth is far from it, according to a warning report issued this week by European automotive organizations.
To enable the connected car to detect faults or schedule the next maintenance date, it collects data such as total kilometres driven, or distances and number of trips made. But drivers may not be aware of how manufacturers are able to gather all this information.
A study conducted by the German organization ADAC for the European lobby group FIA Region 1 found that in addition to data on trips and distances, a recent connected car model recorded maximum engine speed, the status of the vehicle's lights - and much more.
The car, a BMW 320d, also recorded the duration of the intervals during which the driver drove with different driving styles, and recorded when the seat belt locked due to sudden braking. In addition, it transferred the latest routes entered into the car's navigation system, and the driver's personal information, such as their contacts synchronized from their mobile devices.
With the risk of hacking and data theft looming, the FIA is warning drivers to secure their data, and if possible to block the transfer of non-essential data.
Read also: Attention Dell owners, check for the eDellRoot certificate!
