From biometric scans to real-time GPS tracking, connected cars are collecting more personal data than ever before—and most drivers have no idea where that data goes. In this Deep Dive, based on the article Consumer Data Privacy in Connected Cars, we explore the alarming lack of transparency in the auto industry’s data practices.  Car manufacturers are under fire following privacy audits, lawsuits, and the first major enforcement action by the FTC. With over 400 million connected cars on the road this year and more than 90% of new cars projected to be 5G-connected by 2030, the stakes couldn’t be higher.  Listen in as we unpack the risks, the emerging regulation, and what automakers must do to win back consumer trust in the age of data-driven vehicles.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. What Connected Cars Know About YouContinuous data collection: location, telematics, biometrics, voice commands, video84% of car brands can share consumer data with third parties; 76% can sell it outrightOpting out often reduces essential features—or disables the car entirely2. Regulatory and Legal Crackdowns BeginMozilla’s audit calls the car industry “the worst” for privacyFTC's first enforcement action includes a 5-year ban on sharing location dataLawsuits allege driving data is used to raise insurance rates3. The Tension Between Profit and PrivacyAutomakers monetize data via subscriptions, services, and third-party dealsConsumers face unclear terms, limited choices, and little insight into who sees their dataCalls for informed consent, transparency, and better opt-out functionality4. The Path to Trust and AccountabilityWhat carmakers must do: secure storage, plain-language disclosures, consent-first policiesOnly partner with third parties that meet high privacy standardsRegulation is coming—and automakers need to be readyKey Takeaways:Connected cars are quietly becoming massive data collectors, raising major privacy concernsThe auto industry is under scrutiny for its opaque data-sharing practicesConsumers want transparency and real control—not a choice between convenience and privacyGovernment action is ramping up, and industry reform may not be optional much longerAs vehicles evolve into mobile data hubs, privacy expectations must evolve tooSubscribe to our podcast for more Deep Dives into the future of tech, commerce, and consumer rights.  Visit The Future of Commerce for expert insights into the technologies shaping our daily lives. Share this episode with auto industry leaders, tech innovators, and anyone concerned about digital privacy

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