It’s common to hear about devices such as mobile phones and fitness trackers collecting data about their users. But have you thought about what’s being collected by your car?

A group of researchers at the Mozilla Foundation recently poured through the data collection policies of the top 25 most popular car brands in the world. They found 84% of automakers are sharing your personal data.

According to the privacy policies shared on the automakers websites, Nissan said it may collect data about your psychological trends, behavior, intelligence, immigration status and religious or philosophical beliefs to share with third parties for advertising and marketing purposes. The privacy policy states Nissan collects this information directly from you and other data provider companies, as well as your interactions with its platforms and dealerships.

Kia’s privacy policy stated it may collect information about your sex life and sexual orientation. According to Kia, “processing of personal information varies based upon our relationship and interactions with you and depends on what services you have used,” and “this information may be shared or sold to third parties” such as “analytics partners, advertising networks and social networks”.

According to Tesla’s privacy policy, the company may be recording video from the vehicle’s cabin to “…further develop future safety features” if the driver enables data sharing.

"All the cars that are coming off the lots today come packed with sensors, cameras on the inside, cameras on the outside, the apps you use, the connected services you use, it's all collecting data on you,” said Jen Caltrider, Program Director of Privacy Not Included at the Mozilla Foundation. She explained how vehicles gather all of this information about you.

“Sometimes if you download an app, you know, you'll get the ‘click here’ to agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions when you download and install it. And most people just click that button and never look at anything,” Caltrider said.

According to the Mozilla Foundation, data may able be connected through your car’s connected services platform when you plug in your mobile phone.

Caltrider said some of the data collection may be helpful to consumers. “If the car has an onboard facing camera, it can tell if you're looking sleepy. So there are some safety features that the data the cars can collect can be useful.”

Protecting Consumer Data Privacy in Illinois

Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin is advocating for stronger consumer protection laws regarding the data collected by cars. In Springfield, she introduced the Privacy Rights Act with the aim of empowering individuals to control the data collected about them.

Rezin emphasized the importance of personal autonomy in data collection, stating, “I want to make sure that I have the ability to say no, I don't want you to collect the data, and or delete the data that you have on me. That's my concern. This bill will help give everybody more personal rights when it comes to protecting your data.”

Federal Oversight of Consumer Data Collection

Following the release of a report by the Mozilla Foundation, U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts called for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the extent and purpose of data collection by automobiles. However, the FTC declined to comment on whether an investigation is underway.

NBC 5 Responds contacted three automakers mentioned in the report to inquire about their data collection practices and purposes.

Nissan responded, stating, “When we do collect or share personal data, we comply with all applicable laws and provide the utmost transparency to allow our consumers to make informed decisions about their data. We have clear methods for consumers to opt out of collection, use, and sharing of personal data.”

While Kia did not provide a response to NBC 5 Responds, the company previously affirmed its commitment to consumer privacy and data security in response to Senator Markey’s inquiry. Kia also expressed support for federal privacy legislation to safeguard consumer privacy.

Tesla informed Senator Markey that their Privacy Notice is designed to offer transparency into their data practices, aiming to provide customers with clear information on how their data is collected, used, shared, and safeguarded. They emphasized their commitment to offering a seamless vehicle and energy experience while prioritizing customer privacy.