US Senators Call for FTC Investigation into Automakers Selling Driver Data
Introduction
A pair of US senators, Ron Wyden from Oregon and Edward Markey from Massachusetts, are demanding an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) into the sale of driver data by automakers. The senators accuse the car industry of violating privacy rights through the “flagrant abuse” of personal information.
Automakers Accused of Sharing Driver Data
Senators Wyden and Markey specifically called out GM, Honda, and Hyundai for their alleged involvement in selling driver information to data broker Verisk, who then sold it to insurance companies. According to the senators, Hyundai shared data from 1.7 million cars, Honda shared data from 97,000 cars, and GM’s involvement has yet to be disclosed.
Deceptive Methods and Dark Patterns
Besides the sale of data, the senators expressed concerns about the deceptive methods used by automakers to obtain consent for data sharing. They highlighted the use of “dark patterns,” such as misleading drivers into thinking they needed to consent to data sharing in order to receive safety updates and alerts.
Call for Accountability
Senators Wyden and Markey want the FTC to take strong action against automakers and data brokers, similar to the action taken against brokers who sold data from smartphone apps earlier this year. They emphasize the need to hold both automakers and data brokers accountable for sharing and reselling data without proper consent.
