Third-party access to connected car data causes discomfort among drivers; users advised to refrain from linking Android Auto or Carplay.
In a recent survey conducted by Kaspersky, it has been revealed that a significant number of drivers are uneasy about automakers sharing their personal data with third parties. The report, titled "Is my car spying on me?", delves into the thoughts of drivers regarding the use of their data by connected cars.
The survey found that 72% of respondents expressed discomfort with the idea of their data being shared with third parties. This concern was particularly prevalent among younger drivers, with 81% of those aged 18-24 expressing worry. Interestingly, only 33% of older drivers aged 55 and over shared this concern.
The survey also revealed that 87% of participants believe automakers should be required to delete their data upon request. This sentiment was consistent across all age groups.
When it comes to the collection of personal data, the survey found that only 42% of respondents expressed worry about their car collecting such data. However, only 28% of participants claimed to have some understanding of the kind of data their car collects.
In response to these concerns, Kaspersky has offered several recommendations. They advise buying an older car or a car with a minimal set of "smart" sensors and no communication module. They also suggest not installing a car's mobile app on a phone and not activating Apple's CarPlay or Android Auto pairing functions.
When pairing a phone via Bluetooth, Kaspersky advises not allowing the car to access the address book or other permissions. They also recommend asking about the manufacturer's privacy policy when purchasing a new car.
The survey also highlighted the security concerns surrounding some automobile manufacturers. In 2023, a Kaspersky investigation identified several manufacturers involved in the monitoring of customer personality data through third parties. While specific manufacturer names were not detailed in the available search results, Toyota Motor Europe was noted for sharing extensive vehicle and driving data with authorized third parties as part of its data practices.
The survey results also showed that more than three-quarters of drivers (76%) expressed concern when presented with research findings showing that zero out of 25 car brands Mozilla researched met its minimum security criteria.
The survey concluded that 48% of drivers use either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, while 33% don't have it, and only 19% have it but choose not to use it.
Kaspersky's consumer portfolio helps protect private data and accounts, offering a range of solutions to help drivers maintain their privacy and security on the road.
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