DRIVERS can now crack down on spying automakers thanks to a new law that advocates for consumer privacy.
The law targets automakers who harvest sensitive information for advertising purposes.
GettyOregon lawmakers passed a law that protects consumer data that is collected by automakers[/caption] Automakers will be required to delete personal data if a consumer requestsOregon lawmakers passed a new law that would require automakers to delete consumer data upon request.
The state will be the first to explicitly address consumer privacy concerns by upping the protection of data collected by cars that are technologically advanced.
The bill passed through both chambers and was signed by Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek on May 27, 2025.
Not only will automakers be forced to comply with consumer requests to delete personal information, they will also be required to provide access to that data and cease any sale of the data for advertising purposes.
Proponents of the bill state that newer cars collect sensitive personal information using sensors, microphones, cameras, and paired smartphones.
This data is then used to learn about the driver’s habits and behavior.
“Analysts have called cars a privacy nightmare,” said Senator Khanh Pham.
“Reviewers of all 25 major car brands learned carmakers are sharing or selling information they say shows the driver’s preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities and aptitudes.”
Other sponsors of the bill include Representative Willy Chotzen, Representative Mark Gamba, Representative Travis Nelson, Senator Mike McLane, Senator Deb Patterson, Senator David Brock Smith, and Senator Kim Thatcher.
Drivers, consumers, and lawmakers are worried that the collection of personal data is a violation of consumer autonomy.
There have also been concerns from drivers about being surveilled unknowingly.
The law is only the latest effort to secure digital privacy rights and advocate for consumer control over personal data across the state of Oregon.
The law will pertain to any and all automakers operating in Oregon.
Drivers have noticed that their vehicles are harvesting this data.
Is your car harvesting sensitive data?
Here's how to check:
Start by identifying what your vehicle is allowed to collect using Privacy4Cars’ Vehicle Privacy Report. Once you enter your car’s VIN, the site will indicate what kind of data your car collects. If you use an app for your car, head into the app’s settings and look for any sort of data sharing options. This could be under settings like “Data Privacy” or “Data Usage.” If possible, opt out of sharing any data with third parties or for behavioral advertising. Then, file a privacy request with the car manufacturer so you know exactly what data the company has harvested. Some car makers will provide this to anyone who asks. Others might only respond to requests from residents of states with a consumer data privacy law that requires their response. The last step is to request your data from data brokers known to hand over car data to insurers. In most states, within 45 to 90 days, you should receive an email from the car maker, and another from the data brokers, which will often include a link to your data. You will typically get a CSV file, but it could also be a PDF, XLS, or HTML file.Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation
On a public forum, one driver revealed that in order to pair their mobile phone with their car, they were asked to turn on several “permission” settings.
“I plugged my phone to be able to use Android Auto, it mandatory requested to give all permissions so it turned the phone/car into a spying device in exchange of navigator & music on the infotainment panel,” they wrote on Reddit.
Some drivers said they’re already taken precautions to prevent this from happening.
“I make a habit of never allowing text messages or contact sync, only audio bluetooth,” one driver shared.
“Of course, the car still gets phone number, time and length of my calls.”
Some drivers said they’re thankful to have older car models that don’t have the capabilities to collect sensitive information.
“I’ve never been so happy to have an old car,” one driver said.
“My 2008 collects nothing but mileage,” another joked.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Drivers can crack down on ‘spying’ auto brands under newly passed ‘delete’ law – it could mean cheaper insurance rates )
Also on site :