The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) takes stock of how vehicle manufacturers handle the collection of data from modern cars. The regulator wrote to ten companies with a European location in the Netherlands and asked for information about their working methods, a spokesperson confirms after reports by Het Financieele Dagblad (FD).
Modern cars collect location data and information about someone’s driving behavior, among other things. “This could be very sensitive information,” the AP warned in early March. “For example, location data shows how often someone goes to the doctor, attends the gym or a snack bar and what time someone comes home from work. But also whether someone drives to an addiction clinic, visits a family member in prison or the car every week parks at a church, mosque or synagogue. “
According to the FD, the Dutch Data Protection Authority has contacted Tesla, VDL Nedcar and the builder of electric vehicles Spijkstaal. A spokesman for the regulator cannot say which companies have been contacted, but says – contrary to what the business newspaper writes – that Fiat Chrysler is not among the selection.
The inventory focuses on producers of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and trucks. After an analysis of the requested data, it must become clear whether there is reason for a follow-up investigation.