Who Owns Your Car's Data? The New Battle Between Drivers and Tech Companies

Every three seconds. That's how often some connected cars transmit location data. Speed, braking, acceleration, even driver behavior — all of it flows into corporate servers. This isn't just about navigation anymore.

The Data Trail Behind the Wheel

Modern internet-connected vehicles leave a massive digital footprint. From geographic location to the condition of the car itself, every journey produces valuable information. Automakers and tech giants are eager to tap into this goldmine.

What Happened with General Motors?

But what happens when a company collects this data without your consent? The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accused General Motors and OnStar in 2025 of collecting and selling precise location and driving behavior data from millions of cars. The settlement became final in January 2026, requiring explicit consent before any data collection. Consumers now have the right to request copies or deletion of their data.

Europe Takes a Different Path

Europe is moving in another direction. The European Data Act, in effect since September 12, 2025, gives users broader rights to access and share the data their vehicles generate. Users can now share this information with any third party they choose. This could reshape the competitive landscape for repair services and data-based insurance.

The contrast is striking. America focuses on consent and transparency. Europe emphasizes open access and user control. Each region is charting its own course in this new era of vehicle data ownership.

Cars are no longer just transportation — they're data platforms on wheels. The real question isn't what your car knows, but who gets to use that knowledge. The battle over automotive data has only just begun.