The Dark Side of Connected Vehicle Services
As vehicles become more technologically advanced, services like General Motors’ OnStar Smart Driver program promise enhanced safety and convenience. But beneath the surface of these modern trappings lies a concerning ability to track and analyze our driving habits. Data such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, and miles driven are not only recorded but also shared with data broker LexisNexis. This partnership forms a bridge to insurance companies, who use this information to tailor personalized insurance plans. While this might seem like a futuristic advancement, it has led to an intimate and perhaps intrusive surveillance of our daily drives.
The repercussions of this data collection are significant. Drivers have reported an uptick in their insurance premiums—a direct result of their supposedly “monitored” driving habits. Many motorists only learn of this surveillance when their costs inflate without a clear explanation. A Chevrolet Bolt owner’s discovery of a 258-page dossier on his driving, leading to a 21% insurance increase, is emblematic of the shock and violation felt by many. These reports highlight instances of driving patterns that customers themselves might not be aware were being tracked, let alone used against them in financial assessments.
Struggling with Consent and Transparency
General Motors stands firm on its OnStar Smart Driver being a choice for consumers, emphasizing consent and the ability to opt out at any time. Despite these assurances, drivers voice unease, claiming insurance hikes even without program enrollment. A manual revealing sales incentives to promote OnStar exacerbates these suspicions, suggesting profit-driven motives.
In reaction, motorists are sharing tips on forums like Reddit to deactivate the service, reflecting a surge in concern over data privacy. The crux of the issue, however, remains unresolved. The discomfort among the driving community stems from a lack of clarity around the data GM collects and its true impact on their lives. As GM reasserts the voluntary nature of OnStar, drivers continue to question the extent of data surveillance and its covert influence on their wallets and personal privacy.
