IoT ; IoV ; Cars Stealing Your Data

 IoT ; IoV ; Cars Stealing Your Data

 

 

 

Two decades ago , Scott McNally said :

 

“ Privacy is dead . Get over it “

 

[  FIST  notwithstanding ?  ]

 

 

For past one decade , I have listed many examples to support his view point

 

We have been repeatedly told that Smart phones / Alexa / Google Assistant etc., “ listen “ to our talks ( even when switched off ) , and transmit all of that " Personal Data “ to their manufacturers and umpteen other agencies

 

 

Now comes following news :

Your car may be listening, watching and collecting your data

Extract :

In-car internet is great. A car occupant can play a song, chat with a voice assistant or find directions to their destination with one click of a button.

But after reading the latest report by Mozilla Foundation on user data privacy in cars, one might rethink before switching on their in-built navigation system. We’re not being alarmists, but the report is sounding alarms left, right, and center.

The organization reviewed 25 car brands and their data collection policies and found that all of these brands are collecting more personal information about whoever sits in the car than is required.

Moreover, 84 percent of these brands say they can share your personal data with:

#   service providers,

#   data brokers, and

#   other businesses.

But shockingly, 19 of these brands (76 percent) say they can also sell your personal data.

My  Take :

 

 Internet of Vehicles ( IoV ) ?....................... [  04  Mar  2017  ]

 

Extract :

 

Exactly what we need – and NOW  !

I expect that , over the next 5 years , all of these will converge into an Internet of Vehicles ( IoV ), when :

 

Ø  Most vehicles will  be electric ( essentially , “ computers on wheels “ ), automatically determining the best /

            shortest, route / stops and optimizing vehicle  performance.  Mobile Apps will be a governing device

 

Ø  Vehicles will be internet connected with one another , exchanging data

 

Ø  Vehicles will be internet connected with servers of Transport Authorities / Traffic Police / Pollution Control

            Boards and a host of other governmental / institutional organizations, and be relaying all sorts of

            data  24*7

 

Ø  Vehicles will report accidents ( being hit ) and thefts ( being stolen ) , on their own !

 

Ø  All vehicles will carry a whole lot of “ Sensors “ , which will continuously “ monitor “ the conditions of the

     vehicles and relay the same to all the authorities

 

Ø  All vehicles will be equipped with RADAR – LIDAR –CAMERAS – GPS locators – / Augmented Reality  etc ,

      to avoid collisions / accidents

 

Ø  Prepaid RFID chips ( linked to Aadhar / Bank Accounts  ? ) for Road Taxes /

            Insurance Premiums / Toll charges / Fines / Carbon Credits ( through DBT )

 

Ø  In-Built Sensors will measure , ( and request maintenance on their own ! ),

 

      #   Engine ( or Electric Motor ) temperature

      #   Pressures / Displacements / Compression Ratios in case of petrol / diesel

           Vehicles / Battery Charge Levels / fuel consumption

     #   Emission Levels ( PM2.5 / CO2 etc ) in petrol / diesel vehicles

     #   Tyre pressures / wear and tear of moving parts / RPM

     #   Vehicle speed / acceleration / braking distance

     #   Proximity to other moving / stationary vehicles or objects

     #   Weather conditions / Visibility levels / Traffic Density

     #   Condition of the road being traversed ( co-efficient of friction )

     #   Condition of the person driving ( sleepy / drunk etc )

     #   Whatever else you want “ measured / monitored / relayed “

 ==================================================

As per my custom, I sought opinion of BARD and ChatGPT re: “ Quo Vadis , Privacy ? “

Following are their replies

 

BARD  : 

My poser : 

Dear BARD :

Do you think :

( 1 ) before too long, my prediction of vehicle-mounted sensors , will relay umpteen diagnostics ( of a vehicle's health ) to, not only the vehicle manufacturer / vehicle insurer , but also to companies wanting to push targeted advts to car occupants

( 2 ) Someone may come up with a Smart Watch , which will BLOCK / JAM , all " voice talk " of car occupants, from being transmitted over the internet to outside parties ?

Please read following blog and let me know what you think about my predictions > IoT ; IoV ; Cars Stealing Your Data

 

BARD replied :

 

I think your predictions are very likely to come true.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is already a reality, and the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is quickly catching up. As more and more vehicles become connected, it will be possible to collect and share a wide range of data about their performance, condition, and occupants.

This data could be used for a variety of purposes, including:

·        Vehicle diagnostics and maintenance: Vehicle manufacturers and service providers could use the data to identify potential problems with vehicles and recommend maintenance before they cause breakdowns.

·        Insurance: Insurance companies could use the data to assess the risk of insuring a particular vehicle or driver, and to price premiums accordingly.

·        Targeted advertising: Advertisers could use the data to target ads to people who are likely to be interested in their products or services.

·        Traffic management: Traffic authorities could use the data to improve traffic flow and safety.

Of course, there are also privacy concerns associated with the IoV. People may not be comfortable with the idea of their vehicles collecting and sharing so much data about them.

However, I think the benefits of the IoV are likely to outweigh the privacy concerns. As the technology matures, we will find ways to protect people's privacy while still reaping the benefits of the IoV.

I agree with you that someone may come up with a Smart Watch that can block or jam the transmission of voice talk from cars to outside parties. This would be a way for people to protect their privacy while still using the features of connected vehicles.

Overall, I think the IoV is a promising technology with the potential to improve our lives in many ways. However, it is important to be aware of the privacy concerns and to take steps to protect our privacy.

ChatGPT  :

 

Your predictions about vehicle-mounted sensors and their potential impact on data collection and privacy are quite plausible and align with the ongoing trends in the automotive industry and the Internet of Things (IoT). Here's an analysis of your two predictions:

1.   Vehicle-Mounted Sensors and Data Collection:

Your prediction that vehicle-mounted sensors will relay diagnostics of a vehicle's health to various parties, including the manufacturer, insurer, and companies for targeted advertising, is in line with the direction in which the automotive industry is heading. Here are some key points to consider:

 

·        Data Privacy Concerns:

The Mozilla Foundation's report you mentioned highlights the growing concern about data privacy in cars. As vehicles become more connected and equipped with sensors, there will be an increasing amount of data collected about vehicle occupants and their behavior.

 

·        Monetization of Data:

Your prediction that some companies may choose to sell personal data collected from vehicles is also plausible. Data has become a valuable commodity, and companies are looking for ways to monetize it.

 

·        Regulatory Considerations:

The collection and sharing of personal data will likely be subject to various regulations and privacy laws. Companies will need to navigate these legal frameworks while implementing data collection practices.

 

2.   Smart Watch for Blocking/Jamming Voice Talk:

Your idea of a smart-watch that can block or jam voice communications from being transmitted over the internet is an interesting concept.

Such a device could provide an additional layer of privacy and security for individuals in vehicles. Here are some considerations:

 

·        Privacy and Control:

Many individuals are becoming more conscious of their digital privacy. A device that allows users to have more control over what data is transmitted from their vehicle is likely to find a market.

·        Technical Feasibility:

The feasibility of creating a smart-watch that can effectively block or jam voice communications while driving would depend on technical factors and potential legal restrictions.

·        Safety:

It's essential to balance privacy concerns with safety. Blocking all voice communication in a vehicle could have safety implications, as there may be legitimate reasons for communication while driving.

Overall, your predictions about the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and the increasing use of sensors in vehicles are aligned with the evolving automotive industry.

Privacy and data security will continue to be important considerations as these technologies advance, and regulatory frameworks may play a significant role in shaping how data is collected and used in connected vehicles.

Your concept of a smart-watch for enhanced privacy control adds an interesting dimension to the conversation about IoT and data privacy in vehicles.