GM’s Data Dilemma: How OnStar’s Privacy Pit Stop Could Rev Your Insurance Rates!

The Federal Trade Commission has put the brakes on General Motors and OnStar, banning them from selling driver behavior data to credit agencies for five years. G.M. owners can now drive with peace of mind, knowing their geolocation data won’t be shared without consent. Privacy wins this round!

Pro Dashboard

Hot Take:

In a plot twist that no one saw coming, your car might be more interested in your driving habits than you are! Thankfully, the FTC just put the brakes on G.M.’s data joyride, making sure your geolocation and driving data aren’t being sold off like hot cakes to insurance companies. It’s about time someone said, “Hands off my data!” Now, if only they could do something about my car’s relentless love for dashboard warning lights.

Key Points:

  • FTC settlement bans G.M. from selling geolocation and driver behavior data for five years.
  • G.M. was sharing data with insurance companies without clear driver consent.
  • OnStar’s initially emergency-focused service expanded to collect non-emergency data.
  • Settlement requires opt-in consent and data deletion options for consumers.
  • Emphasizes the need for comprehensive consumer data privacy legislation.

Membership Required

 You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels
Already a member? Log in here
The Nimble Nerd
Confessional Booth of Our Digital Sins

Okay, deep breath, let's get this over with. In the grand act of digital self-sabotage, we've littered this site with cookies. Yep, we did that. Why? So your highness can have a 'premium' experience or whatever. These traitorous cookies hide in your browser, eagerly waiting to welcome you back like a guilty dog that's just chewed your favorite shoe. And, if that's not enough, they also tattle on which parts of our sad little corner of the web you obsess over. Feels dirty, doesn't it?