28 of 30 car companion apps share data with ad firms, study finds

Northeastern University and Consumer Reports tested 21 vehicles from 19 brands (model years 2022–2025) and 30 companion apps. Twenty-eight of the 30 apps sent data to outside advertising or analytics companies, including firms tied to Google, Meta, Amazon and Microsoft. Seven apps transmitted VINs, emails, phone numbers or precise location to third parties.

• 28 of 30 companion apps sent data to advertising or analytics companies
• 7 apps shared VINs, emails, phone numbers or precise location with third parties
• Pairing an app with a vehicle roughly doubles exposure to ad and tracking firms
• Honda told vendor Amplitude to delete location data after the findings