Is Your GMC Truck Spying on You? Senators Demand Investigation into Driver Tracking

If you own a brand GMC truck it’s worth considering your destination. Two U.S. Senators have accused General Motors, the manufacturer of GMC trucks of monitoring drivers activities and sharing that information, with third party data companies. All without the drivers knowledge or permission.

The claims, detailed in a letter from Senators Ron Wyden (D Ore.) and Ed Markey (D Mass.) to the Federal Trade Commission depict a scenario where GMC trucks and other GM vehicles are covertly observing their owners and making money from that data without transparency. The Senators are calling for an investigation by the FTC, into GM, Honda and Hyundai to determine if any laws were violated and to hold the companies and their executives accountable if necessary.

What Data Are GMC Trucks Collecting and Sharing?

According to the Senators’ letter, GMC trucks and other GM vehicles have been tracking and sharing two key types of driver data with data brokers:

Location data: GM has disclosed customer location data from GMC trucks and its other vehicles to at least two unnamed data broker companies. This data could allow third parties to reconstruct a detailed account of everywhere a GMC truck owner has driven.

Driving behavior data: GM, Honda and Hyundai have collaborated to provide information, on how drivers accelerate and brake gathered from vehicles such, as GMC trucks to data companies. This data could be utilized by insurers and other entities to create profiles of drivers based on their driving behavior.

The Senators are claiming that the car manufacturers did not ask for permission, from customers before sharing their information. They argue that General Motors (GM) executives acknowledged during a meeting in 2021 that owners of GMC trucks could only stop location tracking by turning off their vehicles internet which would mean losing access to functions such, as navigation and emergency help.

GM Responds to GMC Truck Tracking Accusations

A spokesperson, from GM mentioned that sharing anonymized location data from GMC trucks and other vehicles with parties is an industry practice aimed at enhancing city infrastructure and road safety. The company clarified that they do not employ tactics to involve GMC truck owners in data sharing functions.

Additionally the spokesperson verified that GM did share data of GMC truck drivers with insurance companies for providing insurance quotes. Assured that this was carried out with consent, from the customers. GM stated that they ended the insurance data sharing initiative in June 2024.

Risks of GMC Trucks and Other Connected Cars

The recent revelations concerning GMC trucks bring to light the increasing privacy concerns associated with internet connected vehicles. As vehicles evolve into data hubs they gather information, about our daily routines and whereabouts. Car manufacturers and data companies view this data as a source of income.

However in the absence of privacy safeguards and transparency regulations drivers are often kept uninformed about the type of data their vehicles collect and who can access it. This lack of clarity raises the risk of data misuse or unauthorized access by cybercriminals. Of concern is location data, which can lead to assumptions, about our personal lives and connections.

What’s Next for Privacy Policies on GMC Trucks?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) needs to conduct an investigation, into the allegations made by the Senators. Should take action against car manufacturers and data companies if they have violated any laws. It is crucial to establish regulations that mandate obtaining informed consent before gathering and sharing vehicle data.

With the increasing prevalence of connectivity features in vehicles companies like General Motors (GM) should prioritize privacy when designing features. Owners of GMC trucks deserve information and control over their data than being subjected to covert surveillance.

Policy makers should also consider whether certain types of vehicle data, such as location details are too sensitive to be exploited by manufacturers without oversight. It is essential to engage in a dialogue about what level of privacy can be expected in an era dominated by connected cars.

Final Thought

In the meantime drivers of GMC trucks and other vehicles should review their vehicles privacy settings. Familiarize themselves with any data sharing functions they may have inadvertently agreed to. Opting out of data collection might require disabling connectivity features. It could be a worthwhile compromise for safeguarding privacy.

It is evident that car manufacturers profiting from monetizing data, from GMC trucks and other vehicles without the knowledge and consent of drivers must cease this practice. Our vehicles should not be used for spying on us for gain. I hope that the Senators request, for an FTC inquiry speeds up the needed discussion, on privacy in the era of vehicles.