THE FUTURE OF PRIVACY FORUM, NADA LAUNCH NEW CONSUMER GUIDE

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Ford Direct, General Motors, Global Automakers, and Toyota support Guide's efforts to educate consumers about data in today's cars

WASHINGTON (January 26, 2017) -- Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) released a first-of-its kind consumer guide, Personal Data In Your Car. The Guide will help consumers understand the kind of personal information collected by the latest generation of vehicles, which use data to further safety, infotainment, and customer experience. The Guide will be made available to consumers by FPF, NADA, automakers, and dealers in order to explain the kinds of information that may be collected, the guidelines that govern how it is collected and used, and the options consumers may have.

“For so many consumers, the idea that their connected vehicle is constantly collecting personal information is completely new to them, and often times something they've never even thought about,” said NADA President and CEO Peter Welch. “Consumers have every right to know what kind of personal data may be collected by any vehicle they drive - but knowledge has to start with awareness. It is our hope that this guide helps generate awareness about privacy and vehicle technology, and ultimately leads to more consumers feeling confident and safe in any vehicle they drive.”

Today's vehicles come equipped with a wide array of equipment and features that rely on the collection and use of data about consumers and their vehicles. These new features support a range of technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, performance, convenience, and entertainment. The Guide describes several components that are integral to properly protecting consumer data. For example, services that collect and share personal information should be accompanied by a clear privacy policy. The reality is that yes, cars are starting to know more about you, but what it knows may save your life.

In addition, Personal Data In Your Car highlights that nearly all leading automakers have committed to protecting consumer information by committing to the Automotive Privacy Principles. These Principles guide privacy practices in the automotive industry. They went into effect beginning with model year 2017 vehicles and for subscription services beginning on January 2, 2016.

The two major automaker trade groups voiced support for the Guide, with CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Mitch Bainwol saying, “We've long said that strong consumer data privacy protections are essential to maintaining the trust of our customers, and our Privacy Principles were a major step in protecting personal information collected in the vehicle. Efforts like this FPF/NADA guide are an important part of helping drivers - and others - understand the many steps automakers take to safeguard data.”

“Automobiles increasingly make use of innovative technologies designed to save lives, time and the environment,” said Global Automakers President and CEO John Bozzella. “Consumers have a right to know and trust that connected car platforms and the benefits that flow from them will not compromise their privacy or security, and we applaud FPF and NADA for developing a guide to help inform the public.”

As vehicles become more connected, it will be increasingly important to communicate with consumers how their information is collected and shared. For further information about technology in the car, consumers should contact their local dealer and review their vehicle's owner's manual.

The Guide launched at the Washington Auto Show on January 26.

 
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The Future of Privacy Forum is a non-profit organization that serves as a catalyst for privacy leadership and scholarship, advancing principled data practices in support of emerging technologies. To learn more, visit www.fpf.org.

Founded in 1917 and located in Tysons, Va., the National Automobile Dealers Association represents more than 16,500 new-car and -truck dealerships. For more information, visit  nada.org.