Welcome toOpt Out, a semi-regular column in which we help you navigate your online privacy and show you how to say no to surveillance. The last column coveredhow to protect your phone and data privacy at the US border. If you’d like to skip to a section about a particular tip, click the “Jump to” menu at the top of this article.At the press of a button, yourTeslapulls itself out of parking spot with no one behind the wheel using a feature called Summon. It drives itself on highways using Autopilot. When you arrive at your destination, it can record nearby activity while parked with a feature called Sentry Mode.To effectively operate any of these features, your car needs to monitor and collect a large amount of data about you. Most Tesla vehicles come equipped with nine internal and external cameras. Information from your Tesla, delivered via location trackers, sensors and more, can paint an intricate picture of your life and movement.“Teslas are truly rolling surveillance platforms,” said John Davisson, a senior counsel and director of litigation at digital rights research group ElectronicPrivacyInformation Center. “There are some privacy safeguards that Tesla offers that at least allow you, on the face of the settings, to opt out of data sharing ... provided that Tesla is actually following through on those commitments.”Tesla isn’t alone in collecting a considerable amount of data to enable a suite of advanced features on your vehicle. Any connected car collects some level of information to operate. Some Tesla ownersare newly concerned, given CEO Elon Musk’s role in Donald Trump’s administration.How to protect your phone and data privacy at the US borderRead moreThose concerns are not entirely unfounded, according to Reem Suleiman, the director of advocacy at Mozilla Foundation, which gave Tesla a “privacy not included”gradein its assessment of the carmaker’s data security practices. For one, the company’s track record of protecting user data is shaky. In 2023, aReuters investigation foundthat employees were sharing sensitive footage that vehicles captured in internal messaging forums. AWashington Post analysisof transparency reports published by Twitter and then X after Musk took over likewise showed that X acquiesced to 20% more government requests to remove content in just the first half of 2024 than Twitter did in all of 2021 – the last time the company published the transparency report.We spoke to privacy experts, consulted Tesla’s privacy policy and even asked Tesla’s own AI chatbot how to share the least amount of data with Tesla as possible. If you own a Tesla, there are some precautions you can and, in many cases, should take with regards to your vehicle. But be forewarned: adjusting these settings so that you share the least possible amount of data with Tesla will shut off access to many of your car’s functions.“They pretty much say that, if you choose to opt out of data collection, then your car is essentially a lemon,” Suleiman said. “They essentially say that your vehicle can have reduced functionality, serious damage or inoperability. So it’s kind of a non-choice, when you think about it.”Here’s what you need to know about your privacy in Tesla vehicles:What information is your Tesla collecting about you?Tesla’s privacy policy details a wide swath of data that its vehicles collect – most of which is stored locally but is also sent to the company unless you change your settings.According to Tesla’s AI chatbot, information collected on you includes: “location data (although Tesla doesn’t record or store vehicle-specific GPS information, except in the case of a crash); driving habits and behaviors (such as speed, braking patterns, and acceleration); diagnostic and vehicle usage data (to help improve Tesla’s products and services); infotainment system data (like browsing history and voice commands) and Autopilot data (camera recordings, sensor readings, and other inputs to support advanced safety features)”.The good news is that data can be collected and stored on your vehicle’s local drives if opt out of sharing information with the company. The bad news is that data can still be accessed if law enforcement somehow gets a hold of your vehicle during a traffic stop or other circumstance, according to the Electronic Privacy Information Center’s Davisson.And it’s not just your car that’s collecting information. The Tesla mobile app, from which you can activate Sentry Mode or Summon, also collects location, contact, browsing and device information. Read on for how to dial back how much your car monitors you.Who is Tesla sharing your data with?Opt out: how to stop tech companies spying on your phone as Trump promises mass deportationsRead moreIf you opt to share your data with Tesla, all of the data it collects on you may be shared with third parties, including law enforcement. According to the company’s privacy policy, in addition to sharing data with law enforcement when the company receives a valid court order, Tesla will also share data when it is “essential to protect national security or public safety”. Davisson says that language is vague and opens the door for video footage to be shared with law enforcement for any number of reasons. Recently, for instance, the FBI has categorized vandalism of Tesla vehicles and showrooms as “domestic terrorism”.“Especially now, when everything is apparently a national emergency, it’s a very short hop from that to considering immigration enforcement to be a safety issue that requires constant sharingof real-time footage to Ice or other law enforcement officials,” said Davisson. “And it’s a scary situation.”So how do you protect your data?Consider other vehiclesEveryone has a different risk profile when it comes to their privacy. Some people may be more concerned than others about who is gaining access to their personal information. It’s not just your own privacy you need to be cognizant of, however, as Tesla’s exterior cameras can collect footage of people around the vehicle as well.If you are concerned about information gathering and don’t already have a Tesla, privacy experts say you should opt for a different car. If you do have one and want to reclaim your privacy, sell it. Even Tesla’s AI chatbot gave similar advice.“If someone is deeply concerned about their privacy, they might consider alternatives, such as: 1 Opting for a vehicle manufacturer with more restrictive data collection practices (though this might come at the cost of reduced convenience features); 2 Exploring aftermarket solutions or modifications that could potentially reduce data sharing (though this might void warranties or introduce compatibility issues).”skip past newsletter promotionSign up toTechScapeFree weekly newsletterA weekly dive in to how technology is shaping our livesEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionFactory-reset your car before selling itSo you’ve already bought a Tesla, and you’ve decided to sell it. Suleiman and the Mozilla Foundation highly recommend factory-resetting the car before you do. That means your car will be wiped of all of its data as if it was just coming off the lot.“Just because you sell your car off doesn’t mean that you’ve scrubbed the data,” Suleiman said. “It requires a little bit of due diligence.”‘I’m selling the Nazi mobile’: Tesla owners offload cars after Musk’s fascist-style salutesRead moreSo before you take the vehicle off your Tesla account, you will need to factory-reset your car from your in-car settings. Sit in the driver’s seat and follow these steps:1 Go to Controls > Service > Factory Reset.2 Enter your Tesla account username and password to verify your credentials.3 Confirm that you want to perform a factory reset.“This will erase all personal data, including saved addresses, music favorites and imported contacts, and restore your car’s settings to their factory defaults,” according to Tesla’s AI chatbot. The company also recommends deleting your “HomeLink” devices – which can allow you to control things like your garage door, lights or home security system from your Tesla. Do that by clicking on the “HomeLink” icon at the top of the “Controls” screen then going to HomeLink settings, where you can remove connections to other devices.How to share the least amount of your data with TeslaIn the settings of your vehicle and the Tesla app, you can opt not to share your data with the company. But as we’ve said before, be prepared to lose some functionality of your car.Opting out of data-sharing in your car is fairly straightforward.In your vehicle, go to Settings > Software > Data sharing. Turn off “allow data sharing”. This will disable the sharing of analytics, road segment, diagnostic and vehicle usage data. Tesla’s AI chatbot also recommended turning off “allow Autopilot analytics” to stop sharing Autopilot-related data.Opt out of mobile app location and data sharing.In the Tesla app, go to Settings (the button will either look like three horizontal lines or a gear icon). Then scroll down to Security and Privacy. Thenselectturn off Location Services.ClickTurn off Analytics to stop sharing app usage data to the company. Then revoke access to your camera, microphone and contacts.“By following these steps, you’ll be sharing the least amount of data with Tesla while still enjoying the core features and functionalities of your vehicle and mobile app,” according to the Tesla AI chatbot.Companies building AI-powered tech are using your posts. Here’s how to opt outRead moreBut this will affect the functionality of your car. According to Tesla’s chatbot, data sharing will affect these features:“Remote vehicle monitoring and control through the mobile app (eg, checking your vehicle’s status, location, and surroundings); navigation and routing optimization (although basic navigation will still work); geofencing and smart preconditioning (your vehicle won’t be able to anticipate your arrival or departure); some Autopilot features, such as traffic-aware cruise control and automatic emergency braking, may not function optimally; over-the-air software updates might be delayed or unavailable; certain advanced safety features, like Emergency Services, may not work seamlessly.”“I don’t think it should be a trade-off,” Davisson said. “It is true that some of the collision avoidance systems and autonomous features on Teslas like other vehicles do rely on data collection and cameras. But it should not come at the cost of the privacy, certainly of the driver or passengers of the vehicle or for people that happen to be in the area surrounding the vehicle.”
Opt out: how to protect your data and privacy if you own a Tesla
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Understanding Data Privacy Risks for Tesla Owners and How to Manage Them"
The Guardian
6.6
TruthLens AI Summary
The article discusses the implications of owning a Tesla regarding data privacy and surveillance concerns. Tesla vehicles are equipped with advanced features such as Summon and Autopilot, which require extensive data collection from internal and external cameras, location trackers, and sensors. This data can create a detailed profile of the owner's habits and movements, leading to concerns about privacy. Experts like John Davisson from the Electronic Privacy Information Center highlight that Teslas function as 'rolling surveillance platforms.' While Tesla provides some options to limit data sharing, opting out often results in reduced functionality of the vehicle. For instance, privacy advocates warn that the trade-off between functionality and privacy can leave owners feeling they have no real choice in the matter. Furthermore, Tesla's sharing of data with third parties, including law enforcement, has raised alarms, particularly in light of incidents where sensitive footage was mishandled by employees. This has left many Tesla owners feeling uneasy about the potential misuse of their data.
Experts advise current and prospective Tesla owners to be aware of the data collection practices inherent to the vehicle and the accompanying mobile app. Although Tesla allows users to adjust settings to limit data sharing, doing so can significantly restrict the vehicle's capabilities. The article outlines steps to minimize data collection, such as disabling location services and analytics in both the car and app. However, such adjustments may compromise essential features like remote monitoring, navigation optimization, and certain safety functions. Ultimately, privacy advocates suggest that individuals deeply concerned about data privacy consider alternative vehicle options or aftermarket modifications, as Tesla's data practices may not align with their privacy expectations. The discussion emphasizes the growing tension between technological convenience and personal privacy in the age of connected vehicles.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the privacy concerns surrounding Tesla vehicles, framing them as "rolling surveillance platforms" due to their extensive data collection capabilities. It highlights features like Summon, Autopilot, and Sentry Mode, which rely on cameras and sensors to function but also gather detailed information about users' movements and habits. Privacy advocates warn that Tesla's data practices, coupled with Elon Musk's political ties, raise legitimate concerns about how this data might be used or shared.
Privacy Risks and Tesla's Data Collection
Tesla's advanced features require constant data monitoring, including footage from nine cameras and location tracking. While the company offers privacy settings to opt out of data sharing, experts question whether Tesla adheres to these promises. The Mozilla Foundation’s "privacy not included" rating underscores skepticism about Tesla's commitment to user privacy, citing past incidents where data protection fell short.
Broader Implications for Connected Cars
The issue isn’t unique to Tesla—any connected car collects data. However, Tesla’s high-profile status and Musk’s influence amplify concerns. The article suggests that consumers should be wary of how their data is handled, especially given the lack of transparency in the automotive industry.
Potential Manipulation and Public Perception
The piece may aim to shape public opinion by emphasizing surveillance risks, possibly diverting attention from other tech privacy scandals or regulatory debates. The timing, amid Musk’s political engagements, could fuel distrust toward Tesla. The language leans toward alarmism, citing advocacy groups to bolster credibility while omitting counterarguments from Tesla or other industry players.
AI and Narrative Influence
While the article doesn’t overtly appear AI-generated, its structured critique aligns with common privacy advocacy narratives. If AI were involved, it might amplify selective facts (e.g., Mozilla’s rating) to steer readers toward distrusting Tesla. The lack of balanced perspectives hints at potential bias.
Credibility Assessment
The article is credible in its technical claims about Tesla’s data collection but leans heavily on advocacy viewpoints without equal weight given to Tesla’s defenses. The "privacy not included" framing is persuasive but one-sided.