Modern cars are one of the biggest risks to our privacy and security

Modern cars, especially electric ones, have become complex computer systems on wheels. Its computer system controls the entire operation of the vehicle, from the engine and transmission to infotainment and safety functions. In addition, they collect a large amount of data about us, our environment and our driving habits.

It is clear that this technology offers convenience and efficiency, but it also presents significant risks to our privacy and security. And in my opinion the worst of all is the absolute lack of transparency, since we have no idea what data is collected, how it is used and with whom it is shared.

Data may be shared with auto manufacturers, insurance companies, service providers and, in some cases, government authorities. And in the case of a dictatorial government, it could, in theory, modify the car’s software to be able to control it at its mercy.

I’ve read a few articles from people expressing their fear of buying Chinese electric cars, in case the Chinese government decides one day to introduce some line of evil code into their car. Today I think it is a bit of paranoia, but we also have to be clear that it can be a reality. And I don’t know how that risk can be avoided.

The manufacturers of these cars can update the car’s software via online or Wi-Fi, and users are completely in their hands. I don’t know if it is true, but I have read that in China it is prohibited to park a Tesla car near military installations, since China is not sure what information those cars transmit to its headquarters in the USA.

There is no one innocent in this business, apart from users who think little and sometimes trust too much. Users are increasingly in the hands of manufacturers so that they can make money with the information they obtain from us.

With these new electric cars we can do little other than be aware of the “problem”, and adjust the car’s privacy settings to limit the amount of data that is collected and shared.

And as I said before, we have no idea what they get or what they do with that information. That is why it is essential that authorities and the automotive industry work together to develop stricter privacy and security standards for connected vehicles.

It is essential that we are aware that modern cars are full of high-tech cameras and sensors for the different safety systems and driving aids to work.

But we must take into account this evolution is a double-edged sword, because it makes vehicles more vulnerable to cyber attacks, in addition to obtaining all types of user data.

From the perspective of intelligence agencies, these cars, with their numerous sensors and cameras, some have defined them as “spy machines on four wheels”, since electric vehicles can film everything that happens around them while they circulate through our roads. cities and then transfer the data to their manufacturers, some of which are in China.

And the question that arises is: Is that what we want? Do we want our government to have eyes and ears on many of the cars that circulate through our cities? And what happens if that government is foreign, as may be the case with China?

The European Union has introduced a series of cybersecurity rules for new cars. Starting July 7, 2024, all new models sold in the region must comply with UN regulations R155 and R156.

R155 requires a management system from manufacturers, while R156 ensures that vehicle software updates are safer from cybersecurity threats.

But there is no guarantee about the control of the data that car manufacturers obtain from us. And this is an urgent issue to resolve.

We’ll see how this matter evolves over time.