by GM Accused of Selling Driver Data
Modern vehicles collect a vast amount of data about drivers, raising serious privacy concerns. Recently, the state of Nebraska filed a lawsuit against General Motors and its subsidiary OnStar, accusing the company of illegally collecting and selling data on the driving styles of thousands of customers. Among other things, harsh braking, acceleration, and turns were recorded.
According to the accusation, GM for years secretly collected information through the OnStar system and then sold it to third parties, including insurers. This data was used to form a “Driving Score,” which influenced insurance rates. The Nebraska government claims that customers did not consent to such processing of their data.
“Nebraskans have the right to work with companies that act honestly,” stated state Attorney General Mike Hilgers.
Consequences for Consumers
It is estimated that data was collected from over 14 million vehicles in the USA, including thousands in Nebraska. GM received multi-million dollar payments for access to this information. The state demands compensation for the victims, fines, and a ban on such practices in the future.
This case raises an important question about who really controls personal data in the era of connected cars. Many drivers are not even aware of the amount of information their vehicles collect and how it can be used against them. As technology develops, privacy becomes increasingly vulnerable, and this case could set a precedent for further regulatory actions.
