TRENTON, N.J. – New cars equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and other technology can collect information from a driver’s favorite podcast to their most frequented destinations. The growing privacy concerns in the auto industry could soon be addressed by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney’s legislation passed by the Assembly on Monday.
“People wouldn’t think to sell their used cell phone without wiping it clean, but that is essentially what they are doing when their lease ends or they trade in their cars,” Rooney (R-Bergen) said. “Most modern cars include computer systems that collect and transmit data. As soon as you connect your smartphone to the console, that information is uploaded. It’s an automatic process that is compromising people’s privacy and personal security.”
Rooney’s bill (A4723) requires dealerships to offer to delete the driver’s personal information, like navigation history, paired phones and garage door codes, from a car’s computer system prior to reselling or leasing the car.
“Sensitive information can be downloaded from the car’s computer system and puts a person at risk for identity theft. Electric vehicles, like the governor is pushing, are built with operating systems that make them particularly susceptible to data breaches,” Rooney explained. “This creates potential hazards for unknowing drivers who do not realize their data is still stored or could subsequently fall into the wrong hands.”
One technology company estimates that 88% of used cars for sale retain the previous owners’ data.
“Dealerships need to alert drivers to the recorded data, because most people aren’t even aware their information is being stored,” Rooney said. “One extra step taken by dealerships can prevent countless data breaches and violations of privacy for drivers and riders across the Garden State.”