YOUR CAR AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES
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Today’s vehicles come with a wide array of equipment and features that rely on the
collection and use of data about you and/or your vehicle to support safety, efficient
performance, convenience, and entertainment.
Depending on the make and model, and the options you select, these features may
include technologies like navigation, blind spot detection, automatic emergency
braking, parking assist, lane departure warnings, and many others. These features
also include “infotainment” features, in-car “apps,” telephone and text connectivity,
and even in-vehicle internet connectivity.
Many of these features depend on collecting certain data about you, your vehicle,
and your driving habits in order to perform effectively. Some of this data may be
collected automatically, and some you may choose to provide in order to enable
certain functions. For example, in order for you to benefit from navigation and traffic
services, the location of your vehicle is generally needed.
Similarly, to enable easy
hands-free dialing, you may choose to sync your phone address book to the vehicle.
Franchised new-car dealers work hard to ensure that their customers fully understand
not only the features of their new vehicles, but also the types of personal data that
may be gathered or stored by or through their vehicles. Dealers are working with
automobile manufacturers to ensure that consumers understand what information
their vehicles collect, and how they can responsibly control that information. The
list of features, and the data they utilize is changing rapidly. Check back with your
manufacturer often, and for more information about many of the newer vehicle safety
features visit mycardoeswhat.org.
This guide explains the kinds of information that may be collected by or through
your car, the guidelines around how it is collected and used, and the options you
may have. This guide provides a general overview; please consult your dealer and/or
vehicle manufacturer for the full list of features and privacy policies integrated into
your particular vehicle.