Consumer Reports: most car apps leak sensitive data to Big Tech

A Consumer Reports study with Northeastern University researchers tested 30 vehicles and found nearly every automaker sent driver data to outside companies, with about a quarter of apps sharing names, VINs and precise locations. Top recipients included Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Pinterest, Snap and Yahoo.

• 28 of 30 connected mobile apps sent data to at least one ad or analytics company
• 7 apps shared owner names, VINs or precise geographic locations
• Tesla Model 3 connected to 34 ad and tracking domains, Cybertruck to 23
• Opting out of Tesla data sharing may reduce vehicle functionality