On 19 November 2024, the FIA European Bureau organized an event on vehicle data rights together with Privacy4Cars, a tech firm resolving privacy issues in vehicles. The event gathered industry and policy stakeholders to discuss the state of vehicle data access and privacy practices in Europe.

Andrea Amico, CEO & Founder of Privacy4Cars, explained how cars increasingly collect enormous amounts of data from users, such as home addresses, navigation history, call logs and text messages, and even driving behaviour. As remote access to vehicles become the norm, he shared a shocking example of still having access to a rented vehicle’s location and journeys six months after having rented the car.

Four out of five vehicles resold or rented contain personal data of previous drivers, yet data deletion practices with devices such as phones and laptops are not common when it comes to vehicles. Consumers should know how to withdraw data from vehicles and have the freedom to opt out from data collection practices, without jeopardising core vehicle functions and safety measures. Amico stated that 39% of drivers said privacy was highly important for their purchasing decision based on a study by SBD Automotive last December.

Ronan Mcdonagh, Technical Specialist at the Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair, presented another side of the debate, explaining how access to vehicle data can enhance innovative solutions such as predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and tyre performance monitoring. Mcdonagh emphasized the need for sector-specific legislation to allow third-party data access to foster new and innovative services.

Privacy and data protection lawyer, Wim Nauwelaerts, from Alston & Bird LLP gave participants a deep dive into the Mozilla Foundation’s research on how 25 car manufacturers process drivers’ data. Nauwelaerts believes that manufacturers should do better in safeguarding privacy and protecting users’ data while drivers should also be aware of their rights to provide consent, withdraw or delete data from vehicles. He calls for a code of conduct for manufacturers to help them abide by regulations and avoid being overburdened by a compliance conundrum.

“When safety before was simply making sure your car brakes work properly, it has now evolved to having reassurance that your car will not be hacked into. Our event highlights the significant challenges and opportunities in having secure access to vehicle data. We believe sector-specific legislation can bring more clarity to data access and empower consumers with freedom of choice, and increased protection and rights to their own data,” said Laurianne Krid, FIA Region I Director General.

About the FIA European Bureau

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) European Bureau, headquartered in Brussels, represents 66 Mobility Clubs, collectively representing over 40 million members across Europe. As advocates for motorists, riders, pedestrians, and passengers, the FIA European Bureau strives to ensure safe, affordable, clean, and efficient mobility solutions for all.

Contact
Lisandra Fesalbon lfesalbon@fia.com Communications Manager FIA Region I