Car Manufacturers Sell Driver Data Without Consent

Report reveals car companies profit from personal data, despite claims they can't share it with owners for security reasons.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A New York Times report has uncovered that major car manufacturers, including General Motors, have been selling detailed driver behavior data without the consent of vehicle owners. This comes despite car companies claiming they cannot share this data with owners themselves due to security risks. The report highlights the lucrative business model car makers have built around collecting and monetizing customer data, even as they fight against right-to-repair laws that would give owners more access to the data and software in their own vehicles.

Why it matters

This scandal raises serious questions about data privacy, consumer rights, and the balance of power between car companies and their customers. It undermines the car industry's justifications for restricting access to vehicle data and software, and could strengthen the case for stronger right-to-repair legislation that gives owners more control over the technology in their cars.

The details

According to the New York Times report, major automakers have been collecting and selling detailed data on driver behavior, including information on vehicle speed, location, and even the force applied to the gas and brake pedals. This data is then used by third parties, such as insurance companies, to monitor and potentially penalize drivers. Car companies have argued they cannot share this data with vehicle owners for security reasons, but the report shows they have no problem profiting from it themselves.

  • The New York Times report was published on February 5, 2026.

The players

General Motors

A major American automobile manufacturer that has been selling driver data without consent, according to the New York Times report.

U.S. PIRG

A consumer advocacy group that has criticized car companies for using data privacy as an excuse to restrict right-to-repair access.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“the secretive wheeling and dealing of consumers' personal data means that there's a world of data breaches, identity theft and targeted scams right around the corner.”

— R.J. Cross, from U.S. PIRG (New York Times)

What’s next

Lawmakers and consumer advocates are likely to increase pressure on car companies to be more transparent about their data collection and sharing practices, and to give owners more control over the data generated by their vehicles.

The takeaway

This scandal highlights the tension between car companies' desire to monetize customer data and consumers' right to privacy and control over the technology in their vehicles. It could galvanize support for stronger right-to-repair legislation that forces automakers to be more accountable and transparent about how they handle vehicle data.