[LINK] Web-connected cars bring privacy concerns

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

<brd>
Technology is often used to make access to information easier. You just 
have to look at what they are trying to do with eHealth information.

Unfortunately, making access to information easier means you have 
created a much harder problem: How do you stop "the wrong people" having 
access to that information?

Just defining "the wrong people" is a problem in itself.

Technology can be very powerful. Powerful things need controlling. 
Vendors and others who promote the benefits of technology very rarely 
talk about the costs and downsides. In my experience, that's because 
they haven't got a clue of the consequences.

I'll get off my soapbox now.
</brd>

Web-connected cars bring privacy concerns
Washington Post
By Craig Timberg
March 6, 1:41 AM

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/web-connected-cars-bring-privacy-concerns/2013/03/05/d935d990-80ea-11e2-a350-49866afab584_print.html


BARCELONA — Cars will soon be so linked into wireless networks they will 
be like giant rolling smartphones — with calling systems, streaming 
video, cameras and apps capable of harnessing the unprecedented trove of 
data vehicles will produce about themselves and the humans who drive them.

The battle over who can access all this data is an awkward undercurrent 
amid recent announcements by car manufacturers touting their new, 
Internet-capable vehicle systems.

Low on gas? Soon a gas station app may know before you do. Tires need 
rotating? Your car may wirelessly alert your dealership when it’s time. 
Ready for a lunch break? Your car can make a reasonable guess based on 
the hour. A savvy restaurant app may soon use additional detail, such as 
whether the person in the back seat is watching a Disney movie, in 
deciding to offer an advertisement featuring a Happy Meal and directions 
to the nearest McDonalds.

Cars have long gathered data to monitor safety and performance. But 
their newfound connectivity may allow a range of parties — automakers, 
software developers, perhaps even police officers — new access to such 
information, privacy advocates say. Because few U.S. laws govern these 
issues, consumers have little control over who can see this data and how 
it can be used.

.... etc

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Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Sydney Australia
email: brd at iimetro.com.au
web:   www.drbrd.com
web:   www.problemsfirst.com
Blog:  www.problemsfirst.com/blog