Internet-connected cars fail privacy and security tests conducted by Mozilla (gizmodo.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the results of privacy and security tests conducted by Mozilla on internet-connected cars, but the details of the article are not available. The comments reveal that car manufacturers are using cellular modems and eSIMs to collect telemetry data, which raises concerns about surveillance and data privacy. Some commenters are trying to disable or remove these features from their cars, but it's not a straightforward process. The discussion also touches on the legal implications of tampering with emissions control systems and the potential consequences of disabling telemetry features.

Main themes

• car telemetry
• eSIM and cellular modems
• data privacy and surveillance
• emissions control systems
• tampering and legal implications
• car manufacturer responsibilities

What commenters say

• Disabling the cellular modem or eSIM in a car may not be possible or may have unintended consequences, such as affecting the car's functionality.
• Car manufacturers are using telemetry data for purposes beyond just emergency services, including surveillance and data collection.
• Some people are willing to take steps to disable or remove telemetry features from their cars to protect their privacy, despite potential legal or technical challenges.
• The use of eSIMs and cellular modems in cars is a relatively recent development, and the technology is still evolving.
• Tampering with emissions control systems can have legal consequences, but the specifics of what constitutes tampering are not always clear.
• Disabling telemetry features may not be illegal, but it could potentially violate the terms of service or warranty of the car.
• The discussion around telemetry and surveillance in cars raises questions about the balance between convenience, safety, and privacy.
• There are potential workarounds to disable telemetry features, such as using a Faraday cage or modifying the antenna, but their effectiveness is uncertain.