Just came across a post on Reddit asking about cars, thought I’d ask here too.

The article the reddit post cited was: https://www.thankyourobot.com/2023/07/on-road-to-privacy-invasion-unmasking.html

In short, if I’m in the market to purchase a new car, which one should I go for to improve privacy? And if we assume that such a thing is not possible anymore, what can we do for our (newer) cars to be more private? I was considering things like removing the radio antenna (if I can, that depends on the model of the car).

I’m also interested in knowing just how would car companies mine information from a car if I haven’t connected my mobile to it? Do cars have SIMs inside them that have free 4G/5G access and can send information that way? How would I check if my car is doing something like this?

Thanks!

  • borlax@lemmy.borlax.com
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    1
    arrow-down
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    Honestly, I’m not sure how much you will achieve by removing the antenna. Especially when you use a cell phone and computer. What is it about car manufacturers that you are trying to hide from?

    • bec@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      4
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      That sounds like a slippery slope. Your argument could be used each time a different device adds tracking until you’re saying “why disable your underwear tracking device, when you already use a phone and a car?”.

      Plus, if you care about privacy, you can always use a Linux PC 99% of the time and a de-googled Android 99% of the time.

      MORE data collection is never good, wanted or needed.

      • borlax@lemmy.borlax.com
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Wasn’t intending to invalidate OP wanting privacy, I just don’t think that removing the antenna will do what they want.

        Your argument is purposefully obtuse tho, lol. Underwear tracking… lol.