Tip of the iceberg

With each day, as we increasingly rely on technology to make our lives easier, it comes at a cost: the privacy of our personal data. Large corporations go to extreme lengths to collect and sell this data for a profit. Unfortunately, we've come to expect this from our phones, laptops, and applications on those devices, but corporations are coming up with more and more creative ways to misuse and abuse your data.

I recently released the findings of my latest investigation, which revealed that automakers General Motors, Hyundai, and Honda used deceptive tactics to manipulate consumers into signing away their private location data to data brokers, for subsequent resale to insurance companies.

These companies unlawfully collected and sold data concerning driver acceleration, braking, and locations from around 9 million cars. It's unconscionable that after paying thousands upon thousands of dollars for a vehicle, consumers are then expected to pay a hidden cost in giving up their privacy.

Along with Senator Markey of Massachusetts, I'm pressing federal regulators to hold automakers, data brokers, and their CEOs accountable for this flagrant abuse of consumer privacy.

The practices uncovered in this investigation are likely only the tip of the iceberg. Regulatory authorities must act swiftly to prevent further abuse of this kind in the auto industry and across all other market sectors.

I take a backseat to no one when it comes to fighting to defend your fundamental right to privacy, and this will be no different.

Onward,

Ron