Study finds connected cars and their apps sharing driver data with tech giants

Modern vehicles and the smartphone apps that accompany them are quietly sharing large amounts of driver data with major technology companies, according to new research from Northeastern University. The study examined how automakers collect information through onboard systems and companion apps, and traced where that data ultimately flows once it leaves the vehicle.

Researchers found that the data-sharing arrangements often extend well beyond the automaker itself, reaching some of the biggest names in the technology industry. The findings raise fresh questions about how much visibility drivers actually have into what their cars are recording and who ultimately receives it.

What the data includes

Connected-car systems can capture a wide range of information, from location and driving patterns to how drivers interact with in-car infotainment and companion mobile apps. Much of this data is transmitted automatically as part of normal vehicle operation, often with limited disclosure to consumers beyond dense terms-of-service documents.

The researchers argue that the complexity of these data pipelines makes it difficult for the average driver to understand, let alone control, how their information is used once it leaves the car. Because the data frequently passes through third-party technology partners, it can end up supporting services and products entirely unrelated to the vehicle itself.

A familiar pattern

The findings add to a growing body of research on the data practices of connected vehicles, an area that has drawn increasing scrutiny from privacy advocates and regulators in recent years. As cars have become more software-driven, they have also become a significant new source of personal data, comparable in some respects to smartphones.

The study did not name specific data-sharing agreements in detail in the excerpt reviewed, but it underscores a broader industry trend: as vehicles grow more connected, the volume and reach of the data they generate grows with them, often flowing into the hands of technology companies far removed from the dealership lot.