Your Car Might Be Watching: Understanding Vehicle Privacy and How to Opt Out

Modern vehicles are smarter than ever. With GPS navigation, emergency services, voice assistants, and connected apps, your car is doing more than getting you from Point A to Point B; it’s collecting a lot of data.

But what exactly is your car tracking? Where does that information go? And more importantly, how can you take back control of your privacy?

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight For the People, helping you understand how to protect your personal information, even on the road.

What is Your Car Collecting?

Many drivers don’t realize how much data their vehicle stores or shares. Depending on your make and model, your car may be collecting:

• Location data: GPS systems log your driving history, destinations, and routes—even when you're not actively using navigation.
• Driving behavior: Speed, acceleration, braking patterns, and seatbelt use may be monitored.
• Phone and app usage: Pairing your phone with your car allows it to access your contacts, messages, and call history.
• Voice recordings: Voice-command systems sometimes record and store what you say.
• Camera footage: Dash cams and backup cameras may store visual data.
• Biometric data: Some newer vehicles collect facial recognition or fingerprint information.

This data can improve performance, personalize services, or enhance safety features. It can also be shared with third parties, such as advertisers, insurance companies, or law enforcement.

Who Has Access to Your Car’s Data?

The short answer: more people than you think.

• Automakers and tech partners: Many manufacturers share data with technology providers to improve services or to monetize it.
• Insurance companies: With consent, insurers can use vehicle data to offer discounts or adjust premiums based on driving habits.
• Third-party apps: Apps you connect to your car may have their own data-sharing policies.
• Law enforcement: In some cases, authorities may request access to vehicle data during investigations.

While some data-sharing is spelled out in fine print, other practices may happen in the background, leaving consumers unaware of who’s watching or why.

Why Vehicle Privacy Matters

Your vehicle is an extension of your digital life. Like your smartphone, it holds sensitive information about where you go, who you contact, and how you behave. That information can be used to:

• Track your routines.
• Target you with ads.
• Influence your insurance costs.
• Compromise your security if accessed by hackers.

And once that data is out there, it’s hard to get it back.

How to Opt Out and Protect Your Data

Protecting your vehicle privacy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are steps you can take:

Check Your Vehicle Settings

Most modern cars allow you to adjust privacy settings. Look through the infotainment system or app and turn off:

• Location sharing
• Usage reporting
• Driving behavior tracking

Unpair Your Devices

If your phone is connected to your car, unpair it or limit data access. Remove shared contacts, messages, and app permissions.

Update Your Software Wisely

Software updates often include new data-sharing terms. Read update notes carefully before agreeing.

Limit Third-Party Apps

Avoid installing unnecessary third-party apps. Stick to manufacturer-approved programs and read their privacy policies.

Ask Your Dealer

Don’t be afraid to ask your dealership what data your car collects and how it’s used. You have a right to know.

Use Privacy Tools

Some services offer privacy add-ons or "opt-out" tools for vehicle data collection. Some manufacturers now provide data portals where you can manage consent.

Your Rights as a Driver

Unfortunately, vehicle data privacy is a gray area in many states. No universal law protects how car data is collected or shared, but that doesn’t mean you're powerless.

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe in holding powerful companies accountable when they take advantage of consumers. You may have legal options if you believe your data has been used without consent or caused you harm.

Stay Informed, Stay in Control

As cars become more connected, drivers need to be more cautious. Knowing what your vehicle is capable of and how to limit its reach is the first step toward protecting your digital footprint.

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or you’ve suffered damages due to unauthorized data use, our attorneys are here to help. 

Because your car may be watching, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it.