Your Car's Dashboard Is Tracking Your Every Move

What automakers don't tell drivers about the data collected by infotainment systems

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Modern vehicles are acting as rolling surveillance devices, capturing detailed behavioral data like location history, phone contacts, voice commands, and even biometric information through embedded cellular connections and infotainment systems. This data is then often shared with third parties like insurers and data brokers without clear consent from drivers. Legal pressure is mounting, with 20 states enacting privacy laws, but disclosure practices vary widely between manufacturers.

Why it matters

The widespread collection and sharing of driver data without clear consent raises significant privacy concerns, as this information can be used for targeted advertising, risk scoring, and other purposes that may not benefit consumers. As more breaches of this data come to light, there are growing calls for stronger regulations and privacy-focused features to become a key selling point for automakers.

The details

Connected car infotainment systems like GM's OnStar, Ford's Sync, and Stellantis' UConnect record a wide range of data, including location history, phone contacts and call logs, media usage, facial recognition data, and even alcohol detection readings from cabin sensors. This data is then transmitted back to the manufacturers via built-in cellular modems and often shared with third-party companies like insurers, analytics firms, and data brokers without clear disclosure or consent from drivers.

  • In 2022, GM faced FTC penalties after selling 1.5 million drivers' data without consent.
  • In 2023, Tesla sued GM over unauthorized data sales affecting 1.5 million customers.

The players

GM

An American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles and vehicle parts, and has faced penalties for selling driver data without consent.

Tesla

An American electric vehicle and clean energy company that sued GM over unauthorized data sales affecting 1.5 million customers.

FTC

The Federal Trade Commission, a federal agency that has warned automakers against unlawful collection of geolocation and biometric data.

Samuel Goldstick

An attorney at Foley & Lardner who notes that users should be given clear, easy-to-understand privacy policies and instructions on how to opt-out of data collection.

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What they’re saying

“Car manufacturers should take note that the FTC will take action to protect consumers against the illegal collection, use, and disclosure of their personal data.”

— FTC (FTC)

“Users should be given clear, easy-to-understand privacy policies and instructions on how to opt-out.”

— Samuel Goldstick, Attorney, Foley & Lardner (Gadget Review)

What’s next

As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and more data breaches surface, privacy-focused features are expected to become a new selling point for automakers.

The takeaway

The widespread collection and sharing of driver data without clear consent raises significant privacy concerns, highlighting the need for stronger regulations and more transparent disclosure practices from automakers.