People don’t think of their cars as IoT devices. Our cars are increasingly more connected by Wi-Fi, what does that mean for data collection about the driver? Our cars are collecting much more data than you think. [view related posts here and here]. Cars can collect information related to where you’ve been, what you’re listening to and what kind of coffee you drink. From brakes to windshield wipers, most new cars have up to 100 points that generate data. Not to mention, these cars have the power of about 20 personal computers and can process up to 25 gigs of data every hour, with some of that data sent back to the car manufacturer in real-time.
Why does this matter to the consumer? Car manufacturers are turning your data into revenue by reselling blocks of location information to advertisers. Further, car manufacturers hope to provide data received from your car’s onboard cameras and sensors to mapping companies or apps that monitor traffic conditions in the near future as well.
Additionally, the systems in some cars also track whether you are weaving, swerving or harshly braking—this data could one day be sent to your insurance provider, which could impact your premiums—for better or for worse.
The next time you turn your car on, remember that our vehicles are now data hubs collecting all sorts of information about us and our habits.
