Just came across a post on Reddit asking about cars, thought I’d ask here too.
The article the reddit post cited was: https://www.thankyourobot.com/2023/07/on-road-to-privacy-invasion-unmasking.html
In short, if I’m in the market to purchase a new car, which one should I go for to improve privacy? And if we assume that such a thing is not possible anymore, what can we do for our (newer) cars to be more private? I was considering things like removing the radio antenna (if I can, that depends on the model of the car).
I’m also interested in knowing just how would car companies mine information from a car if I haven’t connected my mobile to it? Do cars have SIMs inside them that have free 4G/5G access and can send information that way? How would I check if my car is doing something like this?
Thanks!
Do cars have SIMs inside them that have free 4G/5G access and can send information that way?
Yes, most modern cars do. At the very least those with Infotainment systems. They pull updates and traffic data that way (and a bunch more).
I know we are in a privacy community here, but i personally would question what you are trying to do here. Don’t get me wrong. Staying away from Tesla and other Companies that are trying to sell heated Seats as a Service with a subscription to wipers or such is certainly a great idea. But beyond that, i don’t think there’s too much to worry about. My 2022 Kia Ceed has a build in Infotainment system and some sort of internet connectivity. And if Kia wanted to, they probably could track where i drive. But at the point where you are carrying a phone, i’d worry much more about that than about my car. Ripping out Radio antennas probably doesn’t do a whole lot. And depending on where you live, emergency location information provided by the car might be mandated by law. Skipping infotainment systems also might not help. Most manufacturers build more or less one trim level and enable/disable features you pay for. They might not bolt the display in, but the Computer behind it is probably still there to some extend.
At least in the case of Kia i haven’t found anything in their privacy statement that suggests they are collecting data from the car beyond what they read out when you bring it in for service. I’m no lawyer and am not sure if they have different privacy policies depending on the country you’re in, but it’s good enough for me.
Many modern cars do have their own gps or cellular network for things like remote access/control. Some higher end cars also phone home with maintenance information that can help service managers and techs preemptively reach out for services. The only possible way to avoid that would be to stick to lower trim budget brands/models, but even then it’s hard for to avoid entirely.
I do plan to stick to budget cars. I’m looking at the Toyota Corolla as a prospective example, and am trying to figure out the easiest way to detach the antenna without damaging the car.
Honestly, I’m not sure how much you will achieve by removing the antenna. Especially when you use a cell phone and computer. What is it about car manufacturers that you are trying to hide from?
I could limit tracking with Custom ROMs and Faraday bags for my portable devices. What can I do about a car?
That sounds like a slippery slope. Your argument could be used each time a different device adds tracking until you’re saying “why disable your underwear tracking device, when you already use a phone and a car?”.
Plus, if you care about privacy, you can always use a Linux PC 99% of the time and a de-googled Android 99% of the time.
MORE data collection is never good, wanted or needed.
Wasn’t intending to invalidate OP wanting privacy, I just don’t think that removing the antenna will do what they want.
Your argument is purposefully obtuse tho, lol. Underwear tracking… lol.
Buy a bicycle or electric bicycle.
Thank you. I do plan to own a cycle later on when I (hopefully) move to a place where cycling is a better experience. I will aim to use a cycle almost exclusively when traveling close, but something are A LOT easier with a car.
Easiest by far is just an older car with no wireless capabilities whatsoever.
I hear tell its possible to find the wireless antennas and physically remove them from certain models. If you’re buying brand new, try to find a dealer that let’s you not have any wireless capabilities. No idea if that’s still possible these days…
Very old cars don’t have great fuel efficiency which would be my reason to not go for them, although that depends on how much I will drive going forward (life is in a bit of flux). The problem is that I know nothing about cars and repairing them
Rollerblades or skates. Absolutely no surveillance/tracking (except for the external shit that no one can get away from) and you build a fantastic ass!
buy an used car
I know nothing of car repairs (I find it intimidating), and mechanics charge a lot for (what would seem to be me to be) fairly small repairs. I don’t even know if I’m being overcharged or if what they are asking for is the right amount for the repair. That’s why I’d like to go for cars with warranties, although I guess I can get that with used cars too. But cars after 2015 or so have the same problems as the cars now with respect to privacy, which would defeat the point
