New research reveals serious privacy flaws in the data practices of new internet connected cars in Australia. It’s yet another reason why we need urgent reform of privacy laws.
Modern cars are increasingly equipped with internet-enabled features. Your “connected car” might automatically detect an accident and call emergency services, or send a notification if a child is left in the back seat.
But connected cars are also sophisticated surveillance devices. The data they collect can create a highly revealing picture of each driver. If this data is misused, it can result in privacy and security threats.
A report published today analysed the privacy terms from 15 of the most popular new car brands that sell connected cars in Australia.
This analysis uncovered concerning practices. There are enormous obstacles for consumers who want to find and understand the privacy terms. Some brands also make inaccurate claims that certain information is not “personal information”, implying the Privacy Act doesn’t apply to that data.
Some companies are also repurposing personal information for “marketing” or “research”, and sharing data with third parties.
It’s not, but it’s a step in the right direction. Here are some additional steps I’m planning on:
It’s a process and I’ll probably never be finished, but each step is satisfying.
I was thinking about VOIP, VPN as well, and none of my friends or family would use Facebook or whatsapp
I don’t use Facebook or WhatsApp, so that’s not an issue, but we do use SMS quite a bit, so I need something that handles that. That’s an easier problem to solve than Facebook/WhatsApp, so I’m pretty happy about that.
yeah everyone i know uses SMS and one person uses facebook messenger.
I’m guessing you could get that one person to stop using FB messenger w/ you, the question is, what do you try to get them to move to?
Anytime i bring up any chat application that is privacy friendly i get told i need to “stop watching conspiracy theories”
So, they’re not even willing to give it a try? Why? Because it’s associated w/ privacy? How is that in any way a bad thing?
I’d understand it if it was missing some features, and depending on what features they’re missing, maybe you can find an app that provides those.
The group of people i tell this to give me some varying reasons, but go back to the point that i have severe anxiety and i need to calm down. This group is my parents, my estranged partner and her mother, so its not like it’s alot of people.
It’s possible you do, I obviously don’t know you. But that doesn’t change the merits of the software, just your motivations.
Here’s a video about options to convince friends to ditch SMS, maybe it’ll help.