Privacy a Concern for Future Motoring

Privacy concerns could trickle down to the automotive world in the near future.

As more and more automakers are slowly revealing their autonomous driving technologies and vehicle-to-vehicle communication capabilities, the question of privacy and just how much personal data motorists will have to give up is becoming a concern. Though the cars and highways of the future will likely make our day-to-day commutes more convenient, the big question is at what cost?

In order to take advantage of the future technologies heading to our vehicles, motorists will have to reveal their driving patterns, shopping preferences and other personal information such as work locations. At the Intelligent Transport Systems annual World Congress at Cobo Center this week, automotive and transportation leaders are not only exploring the future of automotive but the impact it will have on our personal lives.

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For example, a future where your car or smartphone could wake you up earlier if your morning commute has a delay due to bad weather or an accident isn’t out of the question. The technology could lead to situations where traffic agencies and governments know where you are, where you’re going and how you get there. Even worse, businesses could invade your daily lives with ads near your locations or along your routes.

Some argue that much of the data to create a world where smart, connected cars and roads exist doesn’t need an abundance of personal data. Regardless, the days of that technology is coming near with the Michigan Department of Transportation planning to add vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to over 120 miles of Metro Detroit starting next spring.