GM Ends OnStar Data Sharing Following Public Protest

Shopper outcry has led Normal Motors to stop sharing linked automotive information with brokers.

“As of March twentieth, OnStar Sensible Driver buyer information is not being shared with LexisNexis or Verisk,” GM advised Ars Technica Friday (March 22). “Buyer belief is a precedence for us, and we’re actively evaluating our privateness processes and insurance policies.”

The choice follows a latest New York Instances report that discovered that members of GM’s OnStar Sensible Driver app had their information shared with LexisNexis and Verisk.

“Whereas entry to this information has undoubtedly improved the general driving expertise, from enhanced security and improved visitors administration to elevated funds effectivity and tailor-made leisure choices, the follow of automakers sharing driving information with third events, notably insurance coverage corporations, has ignited a contentious debate,” PYMNTS wrote following the Instances report this month.

Whereas the info brokers contend that personalised insurance coverage premiums primarily based on driving habits might incentivize safer practices and result in decrease charges, skeptics fear concerning the potential misuse and exploitation of this information. 

Amongst them is driver Kenn Dahl, who was shocked to get a report from LexisNexis, detailing each facet of his driving habits over a number of months, together with each time he engaged in arduous braking or sharp accelerations.

“Past particular person privateness considerations, there are broader societal implications at play,” PYMNTS wrote. “The information collected by insurance coverage corporations might be used not solely to evaluate threat but additionally to make sweeping judgments about people’ existence and behaviors, disproportionately affecting sure demographics.”

The information comes as information brokers’ habits are getting the eye of the federal authorities, For instance, Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., final month urged the Federal Commerce Fee (FTC) to research auto producers’ “invasive” privateness practices.

“With new advances in car know-how and companies, automakers have been vacuuming up large quantities of information on drivers, passengers, and even people exterior the car,” Markey wrote in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan.

Additionally final month, the Shopper Monetary Safety Bureau (CFPB) stated it could suggest guidelines this yr to curb the actions of information brokers, together with those who promote private information to prospects abroad, following an govt order from the White Home.

“Company information brokers are assembling and promoting extraordinarily delicate information on all of us, together with U.S. army personnel, to overseas purchasers,” stated CFPB Direct Rohit Chopra.

“The chief order calls on the CFPB to make the most of its authorized authorities to offer larger protections,” Chopra added. “This yr, we might be proposing new guidelines to rein in these abuses that may safeguard households and our nationwide safety.”