I’ve always been against insurance dongles and any data collecting that goes on in my vehicle. It’s my car, it’s my privacy.
 
Here’s some proof of why I think that way.  Cars are collecting a lot of data from you. And that data is pretty unique. So unique it could be used to identify you. (Apologies for how ominous that sounds.)
 
In a recent experiment, researchers from the University of Washington and the University of California at San Diego wanted to see if data collected could be matched with the drivers who participated.
 
The car’s computer did in fact with 100 percent accuracy match drivers to their driving data. The only data that was not 100 percent accurate was braking which was 87 percent accurate.

It makes you wonder will “they” know it’s you driving. And who are the they who collect, store and identify this data?
 
Be advised: The experiment was very small scale. Only 15 people participated. I think science would say the study should be conducted again with a larger sample to measure the accuracy in a larger group.
 
I am more concerned with the ease that the data was collected from the test car.  Plugging a laptop into the test car’s dash gave the researchers access to all the computer’s data. That is one of the dangers I have been talking about all along.
 
The data cars collect — on a side note, the researchers only used 16 areas of data that the team figured were the most common areas — isn’t secure.
 
Not only do insurance companies have no right to data cars are collecting, but no one has any security over that data. For me, that is a problem. If a car has to collect data fine. But I want control of it. It’s mine. 
 
The article concludes by saying that self-driving cars will solve the problem that paranoid drivers have with data collection.  It isn’t paranoia it’s called responsibility. It’s called privacy.
 
At any rate, I don’t think there is cause to run about as if the sky were falling, but just be aware.

My Final Thought:
 
The airbag inflator recall fiasco is taking its toll on Takata.
 
I wish I could say the sale of Takata is a sad demise of a venerable multi-generational company.  But I can’t. During an investigation Takata covered up information, stone-walled regulators and its products caused the death of 13 people. The fines and financial burden is a just result.
 
The lesson here is that integrity is everything and using lower quality parts that can injure or kill and then covering the problem up is never good business sense.
 
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach® is a nationally recognized automotive expert, media guest, journalist, author, keynote speaker and television host. Post your comments on Twitter: @LaurenFix or on her Facebook Page. To read more of her blogs, CLICK HERE NOW.