Smart cars make driving easier and more comfortable. But they also raise serious privacy concerns for drivers.
These cars have many sensors, chips, and are always connected to the internet. This setup helps improve safety and performance.
However, all this technology collects a lot of data about your car and where you go. That data can be secretly tracked without you knowing.
In This Article:
What Is Covert Tracking?
Covert tracking means secretly collecting a car’s data without the driver knowing. This happens automatically while the car is being used.
Smart cars record where you drive, how you drive, and what you do inside the car. They log GPS location, speed, braking, and even calls or messages.
These systems work all the time, even when the driver doesn’t notice. Most people never turn them off, which makes silent tracking very easy.
How Smart Cars Enable Covert Tracking?
Smart cars enable covert tracking through four main systems:
Embedded Telematics Units
These are built-in systems that use cellular signals to send car data to the automaker. Brands like Tesla and GM use them to track location and driving in real time.
Infotainment Systems
Apps like navigation, music, and voice assistants can pull data from connected phones. They often collect contact lists, call history, and text messages.
Aftermarket Devices
Some insurance or fleet tools plug into the car and track driving behavior. Many of these devices stay hidden and unnoticed by the driver.
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communications
Smart cars talk to traffic lights, road systems, and nearby vehicles. This setup sends and receives your location every few seconds.
Who Is Tracking Smart Cars?
Automakers
Car makers collect driving data to improve performance, handle repairs, and predict issues. Most drivers don’t realize how much detailed data is being stored.
Third-Party Vendors
Companies that build maps, ads, and media apps use driving patterns for marketing. They rely on car data to target users more precisely.
Insurance Companies
Insurance programs track driving through apps or plug-in tools. These trackers often run silently without clear driver updates.
Government Agencies
Authorities can get car data by law or through hidden tools on the roads. They also request this data directly from car systems.
Hackers
Criminals can break into car systems through Wi-Fi, mobile networks, or Bluetooth. This can lead to stalking, stolen data, or even remote control of the car.
How Is Covert Tracking Legal?
Consent policies are often hidden in privacy policies. Most automakers embed tracking clauses in 50+ page terms and conditions. Drivers typically:
- Don’t read the fine print
- Don’t understand technical language
- Don’t know how to opt out
In the U.S., privacy laws like the CCPA and CPRA apply to some vehicle data—but most telematics data is exempt. Federal regulation is currently fragmented and insufficient.
What Are Some Real-World Examples?
Data Collection in Smart Cars
Some smart cars record driving data at all times, including location, speed, and even camera footage. This information is often used in crashes, service disputes, or legal cases.
Rental Car Tracking
Rental companies place GPS trackers in their vehicles to monitor where and how they’re driven. Most renters don’t get clear warnings that their driving is being watched.
Stalkerware in Used Vehicles
Used cars sometimes keep old phone data like contacts and messages if not reset properly. New owners can use this leftover information to track or spy on the previous driver.
How to Detect Covert Tracking?
Check the Dashboard Settings
- Go to “Privacy” or “Connected Services”
- Disable data sharing
- Delete synced accounts
Review Infotainment History
- Look for connected devices
- Clear personal information
- Wipe search history and call logs
Inspect for OBD-II Dongles
- Look beneath the dashboard near the steering wheel
- Remove unauthorized plug-ins
- Use diagnostic scanners to detect stealth devices
Use RF Detectors
These devices detect hidden car GPS trackers or Wi-Fi modules:
- Scan near undercarriage and bumpers
- Pay attention to battery compartments
Audit Connected Services
Check with the automaker’s customer service to:
- Request data logs
- Disable connected services
- Opt out of data monetization programs
How to Prevent Covert Tracking?
Opt Out During Purchase
Ask the seller to list all the data services active in the car. Request clear steps to turn off tracking features before you drive away.
Factory Reset Before Selling or Renting
Reset the car’s system to delete personal data like contacts and locations. Always log out of any linked accounts before handing over the keys.
Use Privacy Tools
Use tools like GPS blockers, signal pouches for keys, or phone apps that block trackers. These tools help reduce how much data your car can send out.
Limit App Permissions
Don’t install apps you don’t need in the car’s system. Some apps ask for access to your location or microphone and may sell that data.
What Drivers Must Know?
Every smart car collects data while helping with safety, directions, and entertainment. These same features work like surveillance tools, quietly gathering personal information.
Most of this data is taken without clear permission, kept for a long time, and shared with companies you don’t know. This makes your privacy much more vulnerable than you think.
Conclusion
Smart cars offer great features, but they also track a lot of private data. Many drivers don’t realize how often this tracking happens.
Knowing how covert tracking works helps you stay more aware. You can take simple steps to limit how much data your car collects.
Always check your car settings and clear personal data when needed. Taking control of your car’s privacy keeps you safer and more informed.
