Texas is Suing GM for Alleged Improper Data Collection and Sharing

Automakers have come under scrutiny for connected vehicles’ ability to collect a shocking amount of data about their owners. The issue has gained so much steam that the state of Texas is suing General Motors for the practice. State officials allege that GM collected data on more than 14 million vehicles and sold it to insurance companies without owner consent.

State Attorney General Ken Paxton said that a probe in June found that GM’s driver data was used to create “Driving Scores,” which were used by insurers to set rates and make policy cancellation decisions. The scores judged activities such as turning too sharply, braking too hard, and not using seatbelts.

Paxton’s office said GM had been using the practice since the 2015 model year and stated that the automaker’s opt-in/opt-out processes weren’t made clear to buyers at the time of purchase. Paxton noted, “Companies are using invasive technology to violate the rights of our citizens in unthinkable ways. Our investigation revealed that General Motors has engaged in egregious business practices that violated Texans’ privacy and broke the law. We will hold them accountable.”

Though it’s being sued, GM is far from the only automaker engaging in this practice, though some use driver data for other reasons. Recent stories from Toyota GR Corolla owners state that the company denied warranty claims because of the speeds the cars were traveling at the time of failure, and owners of other brands have claimed that their warranties were denied for their driving behavior, which was logged in the vehicle’s computer system.

[Images: General Motors]

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