New research reveals serious privacy flaws in the data practices of new internet connected cars in Australia. It’s yet another reason why we need urgent reform of privacy laws.
Modern cars are increasingly equipped with internet-enabled features. Your “connected car” might automatically detect an accident and call emergency services, or send a notification if a child is left in the back seat.
But connected cars are also sophisticated surveillance devices. The data they collect can create a highly revealing picture of each driver. If this data is misused, it can result in privacy and security threats.
A report published today analysed the privacy terms from 15 of the most popular new car brands that sell connected cars in Australia.
This analysis uncovered concerning practices. There are enormous obstacles for consumers who want to find and understand the privacy terms. Some brands also make inaccurate claims that certain information is not “personal information”, implying the Privacy Act doesn’t apply to that data.
Some companies are also repurposing personal information for “marketing” or “research”, and sharing data with third parties.
I feel like towels would be much more practical. Just cover the stuff that’s hard to clean and you won’t need to worry about runoff.
Heeey, that works! Maybe a mix of both, I’m still worried about contact stains in the case of a… hefty expulsion:-?
On the towels? Just use older towels, NBD.
Or do you mean from liquids bleeding through? I guess you could use them as a barrier, or just add more towels.
Huh… so maybe towels are the real solution to any problem after all!
Join us on Towel Day, May 25th.