Markey Seeks FTC Probe of Automaker Data Privacy Practices

The FTC should investigate the data privacy practices of major automakers, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., wrote the agency Tuesday. Markey said he is seeking details about privacy practices at Ford, BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis, Subaru, Tesla and Volkswagen. Markey said the companies are evasive about consumer consent, how data is used for commercial purposes and whether data was compromised in cybersecurity attacks. Automakers “are collecting large amounts of data on drivers, passengers, and even people outside the vehicle, with little to no oversight,” he said. The agency confirmed receiving the letter but declined comment.