Something’s off.A reported study of 21 connected cars from 19 brands found that vehicles and their companion apps contacted advertising, tracking, and analytics domains in addition to carmakers’ own domains. The researchers could not inspect the contents of encrypted packets, but used destination domains and transmission patterns to map the traffic.
The odd part is that the companion app could add more tracking exposure than the car itself: the report says some of 30 apps tested introduced users to more than 20 additional advertising, tracking, and analytics companies. It also says a Tesla Cybertruck contacted 26 more third-party domains while driving than while stationary—unlike the other tested cars.
Automakers that responded reportedly said third-party sharing was governed by contracts and privacy agreements. The report also notes that refusing data-sharing terms can mean losing connected features, while Honda reportedly changed one practice after being contacted.
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