California Regulator Scrutinizes Connected Car Data Usage

California’s privacy regulator said Monday it will be reviewing the data privacy practices of connected car manufacturers.

Connected cars offer drivers smart features including web-based entertainment, location sharing, cameras and smartphone integration. In its announcement Monday, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPAA) said in order to provide these features, the vehicles ‘often automatically gather consumers’ locations, personal preferences, and details about their daily lives.’

Ashkan Soltani, the CPAA’s executive director, said its enforcement division is inquiring into whether connected car companies are ‘complying with California law when they collect and use consumers’ data.’