FWIW I did both a GDPR request and a Lexus Nexus data request on both of my Mercedes and they had zero info on me. My buddy did the same and same results. I’m not sure they are collecting any data even though they say they may, or they’re actually honoring the opt out setting. Either way I’m not worried about my Mercedes cars. My brother requested his data and his Toyota and Lexus had a LOT of info on him.
this post was submitted on 14 Oct 2025
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Privacy
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I was lucky enough to buy new in 2017, just before all the ridiculous privacy violations hit the fast lane
By the time this car is done for, I will have no option available that is not a privacy violation on wheels... jailbreaking/hacking will be my #1 purchase criteria of whatever my next car will be
Your phone is tracking your every move.
Your cell provider is tracking many of your moves by seeing what cell towers you are talking to.
Your phone is only tracking your every move if appropriate spyware is installed.
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I’m confused here, if cars are not connected to the internet how else are they broadcasting the data? Or is it collected during maintenance and if so what do mechanics care about your sexual activity.
Edit: Reading through the comments there are 3G/4G/LTE/5G bands in the cars? Who is paying for the cellular service then?
I don’t drive nor care about cars so this isn’t my wheelhouse obviously.
if cars are not connected to the internet how else are they broadcasting the data
I can't think of any cars that aren't connected to the web these days. The connection is used for the built in android computer that's in most dashboards. If it's not android it's likely some form of QNX. The connection is usually shared with some sort of connectivity module that's used for things like emergency services. With connectivity comes the opportunity to harvest data.
Who is paying for the cellular service then?
Why limit ourselves to only one answer or even to the 'data' side of cellular service?
You! Most companies offer some sort of data plan to enable an in-vehicle wifi hotspot and/or to enable the android computer in most of them to connect to the interwebs. You might be able to buy limited scope plans for things like "navigation data only."
You again! Even if you're not paying explicitly for data you might subscribe to a "control some of your vehicle from your phone" thing or a safety package to do things like call EMS if you're in an accident. Believe it or not, but some of this functionality is managed via SMS
Both of the above have been getting bundled into MSRPs recently to 'justify' jacking up MSRPs and to try to get users hooked.
Finally, the OEM. Nearly everyone delivers software updates over the air. Even though the OEM eats the data costs they'll gladly pay if it reduces dealership visits.
There's been quite a bit of news, and a few lawsuits, regarding OEMs collecting and/or selling data. I'm all for privacy, but I still do things like carry a cellphone everywhere. Vehicles shouldn't mine data on us. Neither should infrastructure (see the surge in cities buying license plate readers), phones, facial recognition, etc. Sometimes it seems like there's too much focus on a single area when we should really be saying, "our devices, or even devices I don't own, should not collect data on me without my explicit consent."
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