Modern Cars Track Your Driving Data: Who Else Knows 2026

Modern cars know where you drive, how you brake, and how you accelerate—and the problem is who else knows. A recent study by researchers at Northeastern University, in collaboration with Consumer Reports, monitored the network traffic of 21 new vehicles and 30 companion apps to see who receives the data that flows from your car. The answer is far more people than most of us imagine.

Connected Cars: A Privacy Risk That's No Longer a Suspicion

Connected cars have long been considered a privacy risk, and that's no longer just a suspicion. In 2023, Mozilla concluded after reading automakers' privacy policies that cars were the worst product category it had ever reviewed for privacy. This new study went further by measuring what cars actually send, both when parked and while on the road.

Researchers point out that nearly all automakers sent data to external companies. "It doesn't seem like a customer can buy a new car that doesn't track them," says Sarah Elizabeth Gillespie. That's a striking statement: even if you wanted to opt out, there may be no new car on the market that lets you.

What Data Are Modern Cars Collecting?

Modern cars are essentially tablets on wheels, packed with sensors and connectivity. They collect a wide range of information, from your location and driving habits to how you interact with the infotainment system. This data is useful for making the car function properly and respond to you in real time.

However, it's concerning how many companies you've never heard of are eager to get their hands on that information—and they get it easily. The study found that data flows not only to automakers but also to third-party companies, often without the driver's explicit knowledge.

Types of Data Collected

According to the study, the data collected includes:

• Location data – where you drive and park
• Driving behavior – how you brake, accelerate, and corner
• App usage – which apps you use and how often
• Vehicle diagnostics – engine performance and maintenance needs
• Personal identifiers – linked to your phone or account

This information can be used for legitimate purposes, such as improving safety or providing services, but it can also be shared with data brokers, advertisers, and other third parties.

Who Receives Your Car's Data?

The study monitored network traffic to identify the recipients of car data. The researchers found that data was sent to a variety of external companies, including data analytics firms, advertising networks, and other businesses. Many of these companies are not household names, making it difficult for consumers to know who has their data.

The table below summarizes the main categories of data recipients and their potential purposes.

While some of these recipients may have legitimate reasons to access data, the lack of transparency is a major concern. Consumers often have no idea who is receiving their information or how it is being used.

Why This Matters for Your Privacy

The implications for privacy are significant. Your driving data can reveal sensitive information about your life, such as where you work, where you live, and your daily routines. It can also be used to infer your driving habits, which could affect insurance rates or be used in legal proceedings. The longer history behind the story is traced in Modern Cars Track Your Driving Data: Who Else Knows.

Moreover, the data can be combined with other information to create a detailed profile of your behavior. This is a boon for advertisers and data brokers but a risk for consumers who value their privacy. The background to this story is set out in Know These Bad Driving Habits That Destroy Your Car. A related thread runs through Barclaycard Billing Error: How to Resolve Someone Else's Account. Earlier coverage in Fake Reviews Illegal in Australia: Know Your Rights shows how the argument developed.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Data?

While it may be difficult to avoid data collection entirely, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure. Start by reviewing your car's privacy settings and disabling data sharing where possible. Be mindful of the apps you connect to your car and check their permissions. A closer look at the same subject appears in Car: latest articles. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Dutch Spy Chiefs Warn Tech in Cars Can Be Used to Snoop on You. The same theme surfaces in Hyundai Ioniq 3 First Impressions: Design That Commands Attention, which takes a different angle.

You can also advocate for stronger privacy regulations. As consumers become more aware of these issues, there is growing pressure on automakers to be more transparent and give users more control over their data. Context on how this played out before sits in Jaguar Type 01: The Electric GT That Redefines Jaguar. A companion piece, Meta's Muse AI: The Hidden Cost of Delegating Your Life, approaches the same subject from another angle.