Court rules automakers can record and intercept owner text messages - eviltoast

A Seattle-based appellate judge ruled that the practice does not meet the threshold for an illegal privacy violation under state law, handing a big win to automakers Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and General Motors.

  • andrewta@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I’m confused as hell on this one

    “An Annapolis, Maryland-based company, Berla Corporation, provides the technology to some car manufacturers but does not offer it to the general public, the lawsuit said. Once messages are downloaded, Berla’s software makes it impossible for vehicle owners to access their communications and call logs but does provide law enforcement with access, the lawsuit said.”

    What would be the point of downloading the communications and call logs to begin with if the owner can’t access then?

    • Potatisen@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      To sell for ad purposes or to sell to law enforcement?

      You’re the product, why give the product their own information back?

  • aelwero@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    This is clearly and overtly a decision intended to protect the ability of government to conduct warrantless searches by purchase or subpoena of third party information…

    An equivalent tech that would put text messages of government personnel into corporate hands would be labelled a serious threat and addressed with specific legislation.

  • rhythmisaprancer@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    To me, this is just like advertisements at a fuel station. How are we being given ads or having our info sold on a product we pay for?

  • XbSuper@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    JFC I’m never buying a new vehicle. My 06 charger will have to last me my lifetime.