Car manufacturers break promise about sharing location data with police

Limits of Promises and Privacy Policies

• Many see “voluntary codes of conduct” and privacy policies as essentially unenforceable; fines are tiny relative to revenue and arrive years later.
• Executives are viewed as insulated from consequences, cashing out before any penalties.
• Some contrast this with jurisdictions where even verbal contracts can be enforceable, but overall trust in corporate promises is low.

Which Automakers Demand Warrants

• Discussion notes that only a few makers reportedly require warrants for location data; Tesla is singled out as the only one that also notifies owners.
• Others (e.g., Toyota/Lexus, Subaru, Mazda, VW/Audi, Porsche, Volvo, Hyundai) are inferred or shown via policies to be more permissive, sometimes accepting “informal” or short-term requests without a warrant.
• Nuances around corporate structure (e.g., Stellantis’ geography, Volvo vs. Volvo Cars, Geely ownership percent) are debated.

Data Retention and Purpose

• Commenters question why long-term location histories exist at all, arguing that theft recovery or SOS services only require current or very short-lived data.
• Some note that the real driver is data monetization (advertising, insurance, resale), with government access as an additional risk.

Technical Workarounds and “Snitch‑Free” Cars

• Multiple detailed accounts of disabling telematics modules (DCM/phone box/OnStar-like units) via fuse pulls, removing modem boards, SIMs, or entire modules (Jeep, Subaru, Corolla, heavy trucks).
• Side effects often include warning lights and loss of front speakers, microphones, navigation, or other functions; workarounds (dummy plugs, added power pins) exist but require effort.
• Some suggest targeting older cars (pre-connectivity or 2G/3G-only) or even kit/low-tech cars; others want a curated list of “safe years.”

Civil Liberties, Law Enforcement, and Surveillance

• Strong concern that warrantless access erodes “innocent until proven guilty,” enables stalking and abuse, and increases dangerous police encounters.
• Others argue law and paper trails (warrants) are critical to constrain misuse, even if judges often approve requests.
• Some see pervasive tracking (cars, phones, per‑mile taxation) as likely inevitable; others are committed to older or no cars as resistance.

Market and Policy Backdrop

• Many feel consumers are either unaware, don’t care, or feel helpless, which allowed this market equilibrium.
• There is some hope that repairability, user control, and “low-tech” options could see renewed demand if enough backlash builds.