President Trump's Executive Order 14179 removed barriers to American AI innovation, effectively allowing automakers to explore the use of artificial intelligence in their vehicles. At the 2026 CES, companies like Ford, Volkswagen, and Geely showcased their AI-powered assistants, which promise to transform driving experiences with enhanced safety features, improved navigation, and more efficient autonomous systems.
These AI assistants are not just limited to providing basic information; they can also analyze a driver's behavior, track their location, and even predict potential hazards. However, this raises concerns about data protection and privacy.
Many automakers have been collecting and selling data from their vehicles, often without the explicit consent of drivers. This has led to criticism that companies are exploiting consumers' personal information for profit.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against General Motors and OnStar over allegations of improper data collection and sharing. The FTC order was finalized last December, without a financial penalty, and GM has since discontinued its Smart Driver app and severed relations with LexisNexis and Verisk.
Honda and Hyundai have also been accused of selling their customers' data to third-party companies for significant sums of money. Consumer Reports has found that the practice is widespread and ongoing, with many drivers unaware that their cars are collecting and sharing their personal information.
The rise of AI creates an ever-richer data stream, with great potential for privacy abuse. As the use of AI in vehicles becomes more prevalent, it's essential to ensure that companies prioritize data protection and transparency.
In light of these concerns, some experts recommend that automakers sell only anonymized data, which can still provide valuable insights without compromising consumer privacy. However, others argue that the information is worth more when it's specific, making it challenging to find a balance between data collection and protection.
The lack of clear regulations and enforcement has created an environment where companies feel emboldened to collect and share personal data without adequate consent or safeguards.
As the automotive industry continues to explore the potential of AI, it's crucial to address these concerns and ensure that consumers' rights are protected. The future of autonomous driving and connected vehicles depends on it.
The increasing reliance on AI in vehicles raises significant concerns about data protection and privacy. As companies prioritize efficiency and innovation over consumer consent, we must push for stricter regulations and more transparent practices to ensure that drivers' personal information is safeguarded.
