Nearly all 19 car brands send driver data to third parties (Northeastern/CR)

A joint study by Northeastern University and Consumer Reports found that nearly all 19 car brands tested transmit detailed driver data—including precise GPS locations, acceleration/braking patterns, and in-cabin camera footage—to third parties such as data brokers and advertising companies. The FTC previously sanctioned GM for selling geolocation data from millions of vehicles without proper consumer consent, and this data is commonly used by insurers and lenders to build driver risk profiles and adjust rates.