Automakers Are Selling Your Car’s Ever-Richer AI-Enhanced Data Stream

[Bikeman315]

Interesting Article. Read to the end!!

https://www.autoweek.com/news/a7014...22d79b1&utm_term=Daily Drive Sending Audience

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[GooberDH]

“What customers need is intelligence that understands where you are, what you’re doing, and what your vehicle is capable of, and then makes the next decision simpler,”

What customers actually need is to be told No. No you may not have a driver's license. No you may not operate heavy machinery on public streets. You suck at driving with no desire to self improve, you drive around in the pich black of night with no lights on and the thought never crosses your mind that not being able to see is a problem. People have become so braindead and aloof it drives me up the wall. If being a responsible driver and knowing how to operate your vehicle is asking too much then try walking everywhere and let me know how that goes. Shame that society isn't ready for that conversation yet.

"As automakers, we know a lot less about you than your phone does."

As it should be, corporate goul. In fact you should know nothing about me other than I bought your product and that's the extent of my information you should have.

 

[Skye]

Data collection is ever-more invasive. It's becoming near impossible not to be tracked or surveilled in some manner. Information on data collection, privacy protections and storage is often not available, unless the setting involves a courtroom or congressional hearing.

If considering a Toyota, two threads. One on their Telematics connectivity. Another on Toyota's Connected Services program. Telematics will require study of that specific model. Connected Services is Toyota-wide.

https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/disabling-dcm-telematics-in-2025-taco.10431/

https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/thre...d-or-believe-in-any-connected-services.18265/

The AP article shows how our movements are being tracked by GOV. Some jurisdictions are now also sharing their license plate data with federal agencies.

https://apnews.com/article/immigrat...rs-ice-trump-9f5d05469ce8c629d6fecf32d32098cd

TSA is expanding its use of facial recognition technology. At my local airport, it is currently optional, but you have to let them know that ahead of time. Otherwise, they will film and profile at the checkpoint.

https://www.afar.com/magazine/tsa-expanding-facial-recognition

Edit,

This video is from eight years ago. US tech companies were some of those at the table in the development of these systems. See also China's "Safe Cities" initiative.

 

[BimmerDriver]

Data collection has become ever more invasive.

True dat.

Interesting Article. Read to the end!!

I did, thank you for the linkie.

People have become so braindead and aloof it drives me up the wall.

... corporate goul. In fact you should know nothing about me other than I bought your product and that's the extent of my information you should have.

LOL.

I believe that most people have little to no knowledge or understanding of just how much data is collected, not just by Facebook and Google, but by merchants and aggregators. There are numerous books and documentaries on some of these things and some abuses of them. There really is no way to avoid it, not unless you are 100% off the grid living in a tent in the middle of Nebraska. And even then, Google Maps will see you. I guess perhaps not, if you live in a cave and never step out. But what fun is that?

I used to work in I/T for an insurance company, so I have a pretty good idea of the information collected by and on behalf of that industry. I also had a Cadillac back when GM/On-star was selling information, so I had a front row seat on that debacle.

As for the braindead comment above, I think a lot of that is just the ridiculous amount of distraction provided by cell phones and our infotainment systems. Back when I started driving, all we had was an AM radio to sing along to. Of course, there was a lot less traffic and congestion back then too, and on the flip side, cars were not nearly as safe and capable as they are now. Everything is a trade-off.

 

[Bikeman315]

I believe that most people have little to no knowledge or understanding of just how much data is collected, not just by Facebook and Google, but by merchants and aggregators. There are numerous books and documentaries on some of these things and some abuses of them. There really is no way to avoid it, not unless you are 100% off the grid living in a tent in the middle of Nebraska. And even then, Google Maps will see you. I guess perhaps not, if you live in a cave and never step out. But what fun is that?

And right here in your Southern neighbor! I do understand that you can opt out though. But what about the folks that don’t know it’s happening?

https://www.live5news.com/2026/02/02/scdmv-selling-millions-dollars-personal-data-private-companies/

 

[Zig]

How do silos talk?

 

[Wiley Marmot]

Corporate/Government Ministry for Truth and Harmony: Resistance is futile! You will be absorbed into the collective!

Wiley: OK, but that's not going to reset "MY Colors" on my dash again is it?

 

[Skye]

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/ama...-partnership-amid-super-bowl-ad-backlash.html

Amazon (Ring) is now cancelling its partnership with license plate-reading company Flock.

 

[Zig]

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/ama...-partnership-amid-super-bowl-ad-backlash.html

Amazon (Ring) is now cancelling its partnership with license plate-reading company Flock.

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