Senator Edward Markey, representing Massachusetts, has urged Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan to launch an investigation into the data privacy practices of major automakers. Markey expressed dissatisfaction with the responses he received from 14 car manufacturers regarding his inquiries about their data privacy policies. He criticized the automakers for providing vague and evasive answers, failing to address key concerns, and sidestepping questions about data transfer for commercial purposes.
In December, Senator Markey had requested transparency from automakers regarding how they implement and enforce privacy protections in their vehicles. However, the responses he received fell short of clarity and transparency, with many automakers avoiding direct answers to critical questions. Markey highlighted the importance of understanding the privacy risks associated with automakers’ data practices, particularly concerning data collection and transfer.
Markey’s concerns extend to issues such as consumer consent, data deletion rights, and the collection of more data than necessary for vehicle services. He emphasized that the lack of clear responses raises significant questions about the privacy practices of automakers and underscores the need for regulatory oversight. Markey urged the FTC to take action to ensure that automakers prioritize consumer privacy and provide transparent information about their data handling practices.
The senator’s call for an investigation comes amid growing public concern over the privacy implications of vehicle data collection. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into cars, there is a pressing need for robust privacy safeguards to protect consumers’ sensitive information. Markey’s initiative aims to hold automakers accountable for their data privacy practices and ensure that consumers have clear information and control over how their data is collected and used in automotive systems.
