A massive data leak involving over 800,000 Volkswagen EVs has left sensitive user information unprotected on the internet.

If emphasis wasn’t already concentrated on the security of these connected vehicles, major oversight obviously…

  • @[email protected]English
    2•7 days ago

    You are not allowed to drive anymore; your car needs to be able to call emergency response. Is an EU rule.

    Edit: called eCall, compulsory.

    When eCall is activated, it connects to the nearest emergency response centre, using both a telephone and data link. This allows you and the passengers in the vehicle to communicate with the emergency centre operator and at the same time, a minimum set of data is automatically transmitted (your exact location, the time of the accident, your vehicle’s identification number and direction of travel). This allows the emergency services to assess and manage your situation.

    • @[email protected]English
      3•7 days ago

      Your eCall system is only activated if your vehicle is involved in a serious accident. The rest of the time the system remains inactive. This means that when you are simply driving your vehicle, no tracking (registering your car’s position or monitoring your driving) or transmission of data takes place.

      When a call is made through your 112-based eCall system, your personal data is processed according to EU data protection rules. This means that the emergency services only receive the limited data they need to deal with the accident situation, your data is not stored for any longer than necessary, and is removed when no longer required. Read more about EU data protection and privacy rules.

      Important bit emphasised

      • @[email protected]English
        1•6 days ago

        Yes, thanks. My question is more, if the vendor already has to add a sim card and data plan, are they forbidden from using it for other things?

    • @[email protected]English
      2•7 days ago

      That sounds like it should be able to make a mobile call, not connect to the internet, but they probably require the latter.