Consumer Watchdog
Public Records

The Department of Insurance Obstructs Access to Public Records Regarding “Connected Cars” in Wake of Industry Lobbying

1 month ago By Jerry Flanagan

Los Angeles, CA - The Department of Insurance has engaged in a “pattern and practice of obstructing access to public records,” according to Consumer Watchdog.  
 
The latest public records failure for the Department of Insurance relates to “telematics,” a method of monitoring and/or controlling automobiles or other vehicles by using one or more technologies.
 

Connected Cars

California Poised to Be First State to Stop Geolocation Tracking, New Report Shows Need For Privacy Protections From Connected Cars

3 months ago By Jamie Court

LOS ANGELES, CA — A new report details the privacy problems posed for consumers from connected cars and points to new rules to be developed in California as a potential model across the country, if the rules can withstand lobbying by the powerful auto and insurance industries.

SPYING CARS

By Susannah Luthi, POLITICO PRO

March 30, 2022

SPYING CARS: According to a new report from Consumer Watchdog, car companies are collecting and sharing a growing amount of drivers' personal data, Luthi writes.

How To Stop Insurance Companies and Automakers From Stealing California Driver’s Privacy

By Lynn Walford, AUTO CONNECTED CAR NEWS

March 30, 2022

https://www.autoconnectedcar.com/2022/03/how-to-stop-insurance-companie…

Jamie Court from Consumer Watch dog writes, carmakers and auto insurance companies are trying to track your every movement in your car and use that information against you.  Now Californians have a chance to stop them.

Report from California Watchdog Group Calls for Privacy Protections from Connected Cars

By Staff Reporters, INSURANCE JOURNAL

March 30, 2022

https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2022/03/30/660471.htm

A new report from a consumer group calls out what it says are privacy problems posed for consumers from connected cars and it points to new rules to be developed in California as a potential model across the country.

Driverless Car

US Senators Call Out NHTSA For Failure To Protect Americans From Risk Of Internet Connected Cars, Demand Answers

2 years ago By Jamie Court

Washington D.C.  - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), calling out the agency's "dangerously reactive approach to cybersecurity" in Internet connected cars.

Sen. Markey Urges NHTSA to Protect Consumers from Cybersecurity Risks of Internet-Connected Cars, Referencing Consumer Watchdog Report

Sen Markey

Senator Markey urges NHTSA to protect consumers from the cybersecurity risks posed by internet-connected cars referencing Consumer Watchdog's Kill Switch report. 

"Automakers have acknowledged the dangers of interconnected cars to their investors and shareholders but they have not disclosed those same cyber risks to the public at large," said Senator Markey citing the Kill Switch report. 

 

Kill Switch Report Details Cybersecurity Issues With Internet Connected Cars

Jamie Court on Kill Switch Report

The Kill Switch report from Consumer Watchdog says cars with internet connectivity are vulnerable to hacking and outside interference with crucial systems including brakes and steering. A 50 cent kill switch could address the problem and sever the car's essential safety systems from the internet. "The security in these cars is no better than a smart phone," says Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court, "and that's not good enough. The danger is these connections can be hacked and when the connection can be hacked, the car can be hacked and someone can take control of the car." 

US Senate Bldg

US Senators Markey and Blumenthal Ask Federal Safety Regulators If Carmakers Reported Cyber Security Risks

2 years ago By Jamie Court

Washington, DC – United States Senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal today wrote the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ask if carmakers have reported the cybersecurity vulnerabilities in their Internet-connected cars and what steps NHTSA is taking to address the problem.

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