Observed Signal · Sep 29, 2026 · Research Study · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Car Apps Share Extensive Data with Tech Companies
A study by Northeastern University and Consumer Reports analyzed 21 vehicles from 17 automakers, including GM, Ford, Rivian, Tesla, and Toyota, and 30 companion apps, uncovering widespread data sharing with tech and advertising companies. Nineteen of the 21 vehicles transmitted data to at least one third party, and seven apps shared sensitive information such as VINs, emails, phone numbers, and precise locations with tracking and marketing firms. Pairing a vehicle with its app roughly doubled exposure to ad and tracking companies. Data flows to Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Pinterest, Snap, and Yahoo enable detailed user profiles that could be resold to insurers or banks. Most automakers deflected blame, but Honda improved practices by directing its vendor Amplitude to delete geolocation data and stop collecting it. Users have limited ability to prevent these data flows without sacrificing convenient features.
The study highlights extensive data sharing in connected vehicles, expanding the scope of privacy concerns to the automotive sector, relevant to AdTech due to data flow to advertising companies.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- 19 of 21 vehicles sent data to at least one third party.
- 7 of 30 companion apps shared sensitive data (VIN, email, phone, location) with tracking/advertising firms.
- Pairing the app with the vehicle doubled exposure to advertising and tracking companies.
- Data flowed to Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Pinterest, Snap, and Yahoo.
- Honda ordered Amplitude to delete geolocation data and stop collection.
Connected Companies & Entities
15 Entities mapped“as well as Ford, Lucid, Rivian, Tesla, Toyota, and more...”
“as well as Ford, Lucid, Rivian, Tesla, Toyota, and more...”
“including GM brands Cadillac and Chevrolet...”
“as well as Ford, Lucid, Rivian, Tesla, Toyota, and more...”
“ordered its vendor Amplitude to delete all geolocation data it had received...”
“as well as Ford, Lucid, Rivian, Tesla, Toyota, and more...”
“as well as Ford, Lucid, Rivian, Tesla, Toyota, and more...”
“Honda did respond by improving its data collection practices...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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