The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) announced a review of data privacy practices for the smart car industry on Monday.
The CPPA’s Enforcement Division is investigating the amount of data that is collected and how it is used by manufacturers of “connected vehicles,” which utilize smart technology to integrate computers and other devices like phones or cameras, to see if they follow California privacy laws, according to a CPPA press release. The investigation is in compliance with the 2018 California Consumer Privacy Act, which requires that data collectors give Californians the ability to know what personal information is collected, delete that information and stop its sale or sharing. (RELATED: GONDEIRO: California’s Orwellian Invasion Of Privacy Could Soon Go National. It Hinges On One Church’s Lawsuit)
“Modern vehicles are effectively connected computers on wheels,” CPPA’s Executive Director Ashkan Soltani said in the press release. “They’re able to collect a wealth of information via built-in apps, sensors, and cameras, which can monitor people both inside and near the vehicle.”
“Our Enforcement Division is making inquiries into the connected vehicle space to understand how these companies are complying with California law when they collect and use consumers’ data,” Soltani continued.
BREAKING: CPPA Enforcement has begun a review of privacy practices by connected vehicle manufacturers and related tech.
These vehicles often automatically gather consumers’ locations, personal preferences, and details about their daily lives.
More info: https://t.co/ucRzXO2pxL pic.twitter.com/0hyLrvT0wk
— California Privacy Protection Agency (@CalPrivacy) July 31, 2023
The data collected from the cars can be used by insurers to determine how to set rates and examine driving behavior, and by law enforcement to track the historic location of suspects in cases, according to The Wall Street Journal. It can also be used to examine traffic patterns and determine real estate value.
China banned individuals in military complexes, some government agencies and state-owned enterprises from using Tesla vehicles in 2021 due to national security concerns related to their ability to obtain information and track Chinese officials with built-in recording equipment and location software.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.