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Last week, GM got in some trouble when the New York Times reveals it is selling driving data to insurance companies. Multiple sources claim they found their data online and their insurance premiums went up. GM quickly promised to stop this practice. But a careful look at its privacy policies made it clear that GM reserves the right to sell your data elsewhere. And most automakers will share it with authorities without so much as a warrant.

The privacy experts at Mozilla compare the privacy policies of various categories of electronic products. They found cars were the worst category they had ever reviewed for privacy.

Modern cars can collect your driving data including acceleration, braking, and even location. But many can also collect images, audio, and video. Through the buying process, automakers may collect personal identity information and financial information. And through connected apps, they may even have cellphone data.

App tracking cars moving down the highway
Car tracking data | FlashMovie

Combining this all with information such as your radio presets or inferences about your sex life (no, I’m not making this up) leads to a valuable file automakers can auction off to advertisers. But that’s not all.

Obviously, law enforcement may hack into your car if they have a warrant. But they can also just request information your automaker has collected wirelessly. And of the 25 automakers Mozilla studied, 14 of them (56%) reserve the right to voluntarily share any info they have with law enforcement. Mozilla considered this a major strike against automakers.

So what about GM? Mozilla ranked all General Motors’ brands among the worst for privacy. In fact, only Hyundai, Nissan, and Tesla are worse. All of GM’s brands got dings for the data they collect, how they choose to use that data, how poorly they secure that data, and their track record of abuses and hacks.

Next, find out how the government records everywhere you drive, or learn more about how automakers spy on you in the video below:

Related GM Pledges to Stop Selling Your Driving Data to Insurance Companies, May Peddle It Elsewhere

GM Pledges to Stop Selling Your Driving Data to Insurance Companies, May Peddle It Elsewhere

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.