US Senator claims OnStar violates privacy
updated 03:55 pm EDT, Mon September 26, 2011
FCC asked to look into OnStar privacy concerns
GM's in-car OnStar live operator assistance service violates the privacy of its users, US senator and Democrat Charles Schumer claims and wants the FCC to investigate. The system maintains two-way communications with a customer even when the service is discontinued and reserves the right to sell the data from the connection. OnStar, however, disagrees with this accusation and said the two-way transmission can stop anytime, with no driving data ever shared or sold.
"OnStar is attempting one of the most brazen invasions of privacy in recent memory," Schumer said.
Tracking is turned off if customers opt out, the carmaker answered back. It does reserve the right to share or sell data on customers' speed, location, use of seatbelts and other practices, however, fueling the senator's concerns.
OnStar has apologized for creating confusion by its terms and conditions, which have changed recently. Users now have to opt out of the service once its contract runs out. GM argues this allows the company to deliver emergency messages to old customers as well as information related to warranties and recalls of their vehicles. [via USA Today]
