Ford has decided to abandon its patent application for a system that would enable lenders to remotely control vehicles in the case of delinquent payments, allowing for repossession measures such as locking the car, disabling crucial functions, and causing discomfort to drivers and occupants. The controversial technology was designed to give lenders access to multiple systems within a car, aiming to prompt borrowers to make payments by progressively tightening restrictions on the vehicle’s functionalities.
Ford withdrew the patent application without providing an explanation, and it comes amid increasing scrutiny of automakers’ data-collection and remote-access policies. Privacy advocates express concerns about the potential misuse of such technologies in connected cars and emphasize the need for regulations to protect consumer privacy.
The patent application described various measures that could be taken by lenders to get a borrower’s attention and prompt payment. These included permanently locking the car, disabling steering wheels, brakes, air conditioning, and even playing annoying sounds inside the vehicle. The application also outlined the possibility of lenders setting up “geofences” to control where drivers can go, and in the case of self-driving cars, directing them to drive autonomously back to lenders and impound lots. While Ford did not explain its decision to withdraw the patent application, it comes as automakers face heightened scrutiny over data privacy and remote-access policies in vehicles.
Privacy advocates view Ford’s abandonment of the patent as a positive development but express concerns about the potential misuse of connected car technologies. The patent outlined measures that could cause discomfort to drivers and occupants, raising questions about the ethical implications of such control systems. The incident highlights the challenges and ethical considerations associated with the development of technologies that allow remote access and control of vehicles, especially concerning potential violations of consumer privacy. As connected cars become more prevalent, there is a growing need for clear regulations to ensure responsible and ethical use of such technologies to protect consumer rights and privacy.
