General Motors Is Banned from Selling Driving Behavior Data for 5 Years

Scope of the FTC Action

• Many see the settlement as narrow: GM is barred 5 years from selling/ sharing individualized driving data, but can still share “anonymous”/aggregated data.
• Some argue this is mainly punishment for deceptive enrollment and lack of consent (OnStar “Smart Driver” dark patterns, hidden sign‑ups, secret insurance profiles).
• Others say if the practice is harmful it should be banned permanently, not time‑limited.
• Debate whether the FTC “cares about privacy” vs. just policing “unfair or deceptive practices” within its limited mandate.

Anonymized vs. Aggregated Data

• Strong skepticism that “anonymous” data is actually safe:
  • Location traces can be re‑identified with a handful of data points or cross‑referenced with app/cell data.
  • Aggregation has also been de‑anonymized in past cases.
• Several commenters argue you must assume the worst: any collected data can eventually be tied back to individuals.

Broader Privacy and Data Rights

• Repeated calls for a US equivalent of GDPR or a “Bill of Data Rights”:
  • People want ownership/control of their data and compensation if it is monetized.
  • Frustration that US law heavily favors data exploitation and “making money” over privacy.
• Comparisons with Europe:
  • Under GDPR, this sort of sale of personal driving data would likely be unlawful without explicit, informed, revocable consent and erasure rights.
  • Some commenters detail how GDPR requires unambiguous, freely given consent and easy withdrawal, and note that deceptive consent flows are non‑compliant in theory, but enforcement is uneven.

Consumer Defenses and Practical Workarounds

• Strategies discussed:
  • Buy older or simpler cars with no telematics; keep repairing them.
  • Research how to disconnect or remove telematics/LTE modules (examples given for specific models).
  • Worry that mandated SIM/eCall and future emissions telemetry in newer cars will make true opt‑out impossible.
  • Concern that leasing or “connected services” apps effectively force data sharing (e.g., loss of remote start).

Systemic Concerns

• Fear of surveillance being used beyond ads: insurance pricing, denial of coverage, law enforcement, courts.
• View that companies keep years of profit and face only light, delayed penalties.
• Split sentiment: some welcome the FTC action as progress; others see it as a weak “yellow card” that leaves the underlying surveillance business model intact.