Cars Collecting Driver Data Raise Privacy Concerns

Kathmandu. Modern cars are no longer just means of transport, they have become like computers on wheels.

These computers on wheels are collecting drivers' highly confidential information. It has been found that car manufacturers are currently tracking drivers' location, driving style, seatbelt usage, and even facial expressions.

Cameras and sensors installed in some vehicles collect private details such as the driver's weight, age, ethnicity, and health status and send them to the companies.
According to a study by the 'Mozilla' Foundation, cars have been ranked among the worst products in the world in terms of privacy. Such collected data is sold by car manufacturers to insurance companies, due to which the insurance premiums of many drivers have significantly increased.

The new law being implemented in America, which will make infrared cameras mandatory to prevent drunk driving, is likely to put drivers' biometric data at even greater risk.

According to experts, car companies are building a large 'data empire' under the guise of safety and convenience. To avoid this, drivers are advised to check privacy settings in the car's infotainment system and mobile apps, not connect unnecessary apps, and be cautious before joining insurance companies' 'tracking' programs.

However, in the absence of strong laws, it is still a big challenge to protect user privacy, the BBC mentioned, citing the study. BBC has mentioned.