Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid (arkadiyt.com)

Article summary

The article describes the process of removing the modem and GPS from a 2024 RAV4 Hybrid to prevent the car from sending telemetry data to the manufacturer. The author outlines the steps to remove the Data Communication Module (DCM) and GPS antenna, and notes that this will disable certain features such as over-the-air updates and SOS functionality. The car will still be functional, but will no longer be able to send data to the manufacturer. The author also discusses the potential risks and limitations of this approach, including the possibility of voiding parts of the warranty.

Main themes

• Car telemetry data collection
• Privacy concerns
• Right to repair
• Vehicle security
• Data monetization

What commenters say

• Removing the modem and GPS from a car can effectively prevent the manufacturer from collecting telemetry data, but may also disable certain features and potentially void parts of the warranty.
• Some commenters argue that using a phone's Bluetooth connection to access the internet in a car can allow the car to send telemetry data to the manufacturer, while others claim this is not possible without explicit user consent.
• The use of CarPlay and Android Auto can still allow companies like Google and Apple to collect vehicle telemetry data, even if the car's modem is removed.
• Some individuals believe that car manufacturers are motivated to collect and sell user data due to the potential for significant profits, while others argue that this practice is a violation of user privacy and trust.
• There are different opinions on the effectiveness of methods to block or limit data collection, such as using a Faraday bag or disabling Bluetooth, with some commenters citing potential drawbacks and limitations.
• The discussion highlights the tension between user privacy and the desire for convenience and connectivity in modern vehicles, with some individuals willing to trade off certain features for greater control over their data.