Your Car Is a Smartphone on Wheels—and It's Sharing Your Data with Advertisers

Car Is a Smartphone on Wheels. Here's Who's Listening

Your Car Is a Smartphone on Wheels—and It's Sharing Your Data with Advertisers

A Northeastern University study tested 21 vehicles and 30 companion apps, finding that 19 of 21 cars contacted third-party domains, including advertisers and trackers. Seven apps sent sensitive data like VINs and location to trackers. Pairing an app doubled exposure to ad tech. The researchers disclosed findings to manufacturers, who largely shifted blame to consumers. Honda was a notable exception, improving its data collection practices.

The ongoing theme of all these responses was shifting the blame to the consumer.

More from this day

2026-10-01