It seems Big Government and Big Tech are prying into everything that’s yours these days. Have you ever wondered if your car is spying on you? A recent analysis by the Mozilla Foundation reveals the deeply concerning truth.
The study, which examined 25 privacy policies from car manufacturers, found that none met the Foundation’s minimum standards for security and privacy. These policies allow car companies to collect vast amounts of personal data.
Nissan’s privacy policy was singled out as especially disturbing, as it explicitly states its ability to collect and share sensitive personal information. The company also discloses its intent to share “inferences” drawn from personal data for profiling and targeted marketing. Nissan’s Legal Privacy Policy explains the data collection in mind-boggling detail.
For example, Nissan is collecting your driver’s license number, national or state identification number, citizenship status, immigration status, race, national origin, religious or philosophical beliefs, and even your precise geolocation.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse in keeping your health data shielded from prying eyes, Nissan is also encroaching on your health data privacy, collecting your sexual orientation, sexual activity, health diagnosis data, and genetic information.
The study also discovered that a whopping 84% of the car brands studied share or sell personal data and “inferences” based on the collected data, which includes assessments of a person’s intelligence, abilities, and interests. More than half of these companies are willing to share user information with the government or law enforcement without requiring a subpoena.
Additionally, 92% of the car companies studied give drivers little to no control over their data. Unfortunately, most car owners remain in the dark as they get behind the wheel, providing Big Tech with loads of sensitive private information.
So the real question is, do you fully own your own car? Isn’t your data your property? Why do car companies get to use your car to spy on you?
The truth is that there are no privacy-focused options for purchasing a car, as all manufacturers examined had problematic policies. Consumers can sign Mozilla’s petition calling car companies to stop intrusive data collection practices. You can also contact your state legislators and members of Congress.
While these policies are very disturbing, know that speaking out and demanding change is the only way to make a difference. CCHF is proud to partner with you in the battle for health data privacy, standing up to Big Tech in the fight for liberty.
In freedom,
Twila Base, RN, PHN
President and Co-founder
April is “Truth About HIPAA” Month!