● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
Ford Launches "Privacy Promise" and Website, Vows Not to Sell Driving Data
Key points
- Ford launched a "privacy promise" for connected vehicle data.
- A new website educates customers on data usage and settings.
- Ford committed to not selling customer driving data to brokers.
- The initiative precedes new connected vehicle launches.
- Customers can adjust their data sharing preferences.
Ford's New Privacy Commitment
Ford has announced a "privacy promise" outlining its approach to handling customer data from connected cars. This commitment is designed to assure customers about the safety of their vehicle data and provide them with control over what information they share.
Accompanying this promise, Ford launched a new website. This site aims to educate customers on how, where, and why the automaker uses their data, and demonstrates how to modify data sharing settings. While these controls have existed previously, Ford intends to communicate them more clearly.
No Sale to Data Brokers
A key component of Ford's new privacy initiative is a pledge to never sell customer driving data to third-party data brokers. This commitment positions Ford in contrast to competitors who have faced legal and regulatory scrutiny for sharing telematics data without authorization.
The company's stance follows a $220 million settlement involving General Motors related to unauthorized data sales. Ford states it will protect customer data through aggregation and anonymization techniques.
Addressing Customer Concerns
Ford's Chief Privacy Officer, Kristin Jones, emphasized the importance of clarity regarding data practices and making a commitment to customers. The initiative also serves as an opportunity to educate customers about data sharing.
This privacy push comes as automakers increasingly integrate connectivity into their vehicles. Ford aims to address growing consumer concerns about data privacy in the automotive industry, particularly with the upcoming launch of new, more connected vehicles built on its "universal electric vehicle" platform.
Customer Control Over Data
While Ford will continue to use data to improve safety, it will allow customers to adjust the extent of data they prefer to share. The company promises to provide clear and easy-to-understand information about how personal information is used.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Ford announced it will not sell customer driving data to third-party data brokers, distinguishing itself from competitors facing legal issues over data sharing. This commitment follows a $220 million settlement by General Motors regarding unauthorized data sales, and aims to address privacy concerns in the automotive industry.
Ford introduced a "privacy promise" and a new website to explain how it collects and uses customer vehicle data, aiming to provide transparency and control. This initiative precedes the launch of new connected vehicles and addresses growing consumer concerns about data privacy in the automotive industry.