California's Data Privacy Laws Could Stymie Auto Industry's Long-term Plans

Pretty much anytime automotive data acquisition becomes the topic of discussion, we have to take time to mention customer protections and ask where the line for privacy should be drawn. With social media firms making a mint off the process online and automakers conducting major moves to likewise leverage personal data, it’s practically a nervous tic at this point.

Hoping to get out ahead of some of the potential problems arising from issue, California enacted new consumer protection laws that came into effect at the start of the year.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) aims to give individuals greater control over the personal data being harvested. Most of this is supposed to be done by allowing consumers to request what kind of information is being collected, ask where it’s going, and the ability request that the subsequent sale or continued acquisition of personal data cease. However, CCPA contains provisions for customers to ask a company to delete all information it has stored on them, as well as rules prohibiting any discrimination related to a person exercising their privacy rights.

Frankly, it all sounds rather good to someone who prattles endlessly about data privacy rights, but it’s also causing problems for the automotive industry.

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  • Bruce Purchased (in 2024) a 1989 Camero RS. I wasn't looking for one but I picked it up for 1500. I wanted to only pay 800 but the fellow I bought it from had a real nice family and I could tell they loved each other. They needed the money and I had to give it to him. I felt my heart grow like the Grinch. Yes it has the little 2.8. But the write up does not represent this car. It has never been messed with, all original, a real time machine. I was very fond of these 3rd gen Cameros. It was very oxidized but straight, interior was dirty but all there. I just retired and I parked in my shop and looked at it for 5 months. I couldn't decide how to approach it now That I can afford to make of it what ever I want. Resto mod? Engine swap? No reason to expect any finacial return. Finally I started just doing little things. Buffed and polished the paint. Tune up, Fluids. I am still working it and have found a lot of joy in just restoring what I have just the way I found it just fixed and cleaned up. It's just a cool looking cruiser, fun to drive, fun to figure out. It is what it is. I am keeping it and the author of this critical write up completely misses the point. Mabey the point is what I make it. Nothing more and nothing less.
  • George Now that the Spark And Pretty Soon Gone is the Mirage I really wonder how are you going to get A low rental price when getting a loaner car for the week or more? Cars that are big as spark usually cost 5 to 10 dollars a day for use in a week rental agreement.Where as a SUV like a Equinox or a Rogue Midsize SUV would cost about 20 to 30 dollars for the same length of time of lease and since you’re getting more space leasing is going to be very expensive.
  • Mcs Tesla Full Self Driving will be working flawlessly about 10 years after fusion reactors are perfected. That's my prediction and I'm sticking to it.
  • Akear American consumers have clearly stated they don't want neither rebadged Alfa Romeos or Fiats. The hornet is over stocked for nearly 400 days!
  • FreedMike I do tip my cap to Musk for at least talking about pushing the edge technologically. But I'm betting no on this question, at least for the near-term future. This vehicle requires two technologies - no-driver-control autonomous driving and inductive charging - that aren't nearly mature enough right now, and they can't be willed into maturity by Musk.