PSA: Your car may snitch on you

[kodiakng]

Automotive infotainment systems are a privacy nightmare but did you know they (may) also store your text messages and phone call logs that can be retrieved from the car itself?

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy...alleging-infotainment-systems-invade-privacy/

Sponsored

 

[Scooby24]

Theory and practice are two different things.

What's the additional privacy concern that is unique to the car having texts and call logs that aren't already out there with your service provider? And why and what scenario is someone going to access those details from your car versus from an app on your phone, or a request through your service provider?

This feels like the ridiculous claims that a chinese manufactured car would be leveraged as a weapon to burn down your house with a nefariously triggered thermal runaway event. Get a grip people.

 

[mpshizzle]

I knew there was a reason for me to be paranoid and hit "don't allow" on contacts and messages! (Android Auto just handles those anyway, so no need to share them with the car)

 

[kevC]

"Why did you get divorced?"
"My car snitched on me to my wife"

 

[AtomicInternet]

While they do store the info, I'm always impressed with how you can't view them as a user unless the phone is paired. For example, every rental I've had where people pair their phone with the car shows the device but doesn't display any messages/history from it. You need to be a specific brand of carefree to pair your personal phone with a rental in the first place, but it's nice to know they at least had the foresight to only show the data when the device is paired. Prevents anyone else snooping in your car while you're away as well.

 

[Teslaeata]

If you’re paranoid, look behind you ?

 

[Teslaeata]

Well, accessing infotainment data requires very specialist equipment, and personal data access permissions to get out the car without the connected’ phone.

There is also collision data recorded by the event data recorder in the airbag control module, or more interesting, pre-crash data recording all sorts of information every half second up to 5 seconds before a crash that is available to download which will inform of speed, throttle position, brake application, steering position, gear position, occupancy, seat belt wearing and a whole lot more which is far more easily accessible.

 

[Avelli]

They describe the situation where a message on the phone (or call log) can be deleted, but the vehicle memory still shows the call/message in the list. A bit ironic, given this is through "Ford Sync".

If you’re paranoid, look behind you ?

You're not paranoid. We are out to get you!

 

[Logal727]

My car knows where I live! In fact, it's inside my house right now!

 

[Deleted member 16048]

My car knows where I live! In fact, it's inside my house right now!

Mine follows me everywhere I go! ?

 

[Flint302]

Also, your driving habits and history are retrievable with a warrant or subpoena. Should you have an accident with serious injuries or fatalities, the record of your braking, speed, g-forces, etc is available for your defense or prosecution in a criminal or civil trial. The days of measuring skid marks is over--just ask the car.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Also, your driving habits and history are retrievable with a warrant or subpoena. Should you have an accident with serious injuries or fatalities, the record of your braking, speed, g-forces, etc is available for your defense or prosecution in a criminal or civil trial. The days of measuring skid marks is over--just ask the car.

Also the footage from the driver monitoring camera is stored in an accident, so that could be recovered as well.

 

[dj_stang]

Also the footage from the driver monitoring camera is stored in an accident, so that could be recovered as well.

Is this recorded somewhere on non volatile storage? Why couldnt it be used as a dashcam?

 

[Logal727]

Is this recorded somewhere on non volatile storage? Why couldnt it be used as a dashcam?

Because it’s potato quality

 

[Scooby24]

Also, your driving habits and history are retrievable with a warrant or subpoena. Should you have an accident with serious injuries or fatalities, the record of your braking, speed, g-forces, etc is available for your defense or prosecution in a criminal or civil trial. The days of measuring skid marks is over--just ask the car.

As it should be. A person should be held to account for their actions, especially if it results in the loss of another's life.

Sponsored