Ford privacy promise raises questions about your car data
Ford announced a new privacy initiative on Nov. 2, promising not to sell customers' driving data to insurance companies or data brokers, though disabling certain data-sharing settings could limit connected features.
Modern vehicles can track where you drive, how fast you go and whether something under the hood needs attention, with that information potentially traveling back to the manufacturer. Ford's new privacy initiative aims to give drivers more transparency and control over their personal information, though the company warns that disabling certain data-sharing settings could limit connected features.
Ford's privacy commitments
Ford says its new privacy initiative will make it easier for drivers to understand what information their vehicles collect and how the company uses it. The automaker has launched a dedicated data and privacy website where owners can learn about their options.
The company specifically promises not to sell data about how customers drive to insurance companies or data brokers. However, Ford still uses information from equipped vehicles to operate services and improve its technology.
The company wants to build greater trust by helping customers understand its data practices.
What data your Ford collects
Modern Ford vehicles can generate various types of information depending on the model and connected features. This includes precise vehicle location, driving behavior data like speed and braking patterns, vehicle health diagnostics, and identification details such as the VIN.
While some data sharing has practical benefits like early problem detection and roadside assistance, your driving habits can reveal personal details about your daily routine.
Privacy tradeoffs
Ford customers can turn off connected vehicle data sharing, but doing so may affect features like remote start, connected navigation, vehicle location services, BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance, software updates, and connected roadside assistance.
The exact impact depends on which settings are disabled and the vehicle's technology. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can continue working without sharing connected vehicle data with Ford.
How to change settings
Ford owners can manage privacy settings through the vehicle's touchscreen, the Ford app, or their online Ford account. For vehicles built in 2018 or later, drivers can review connected vehicle settings in the center touchscreen under Settings, Vehicle Connectivity, or Privacy and Data Sharing.
Through the Ford app, users can tap the account icon, go to Settings, select Legal and privacy, then Privacy and data sharing to adjust preferences. Ford warns that menu names and available controls vary by model and infotainment system.
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