Modern cars have evolved to include sophisticated safety features, but this has led to a trade-off in terms of personal data protection. The presence of Event Data Recorders (EDRs) in most late-model cars is a prime example of this trend.
The EDR is essentially an automotive version of the black box found in airplanes, which records data on what was happening at the time of an accident. However, the scope of EDRs goes beyond just crashes, as they can collect information on drivers' behavior and activities while driving.
While EDRs have been around since the 1970s, their use has become more widespread in recent years, with 99.6% of new light vehicles featuring one by the 2017 model year.
To determine if a vehicle has an EDR, owners can check their owner's manual for the required disclosure statement, which was mandated by federal law in 2012.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets minimum requirements for what data should be recorded by EDRs, including speed changes and engine throttle activity.
However, the lack of standardization and regulation around EDRs raises concerns about how this data will be used and protected.
In addition to EDRs, other devices in modern cars, such as cameras and OnStar systems, can also collect information on drivers. This has led to questions about who owns this data and how it should be used.
The collection of data by modern cars raises important questions about driver privacy and the potential for misuse of this information.
As the use of autonomous vehicles becomes more widespread, the need for robust data protection measures will become increasingly important.
Ultimately, consumers must be aware of the data being collected by their cars and take steps to protect their personal information.
The lack of data protection in modern cars raises concerns about driver privacy.
