(CA) Bill would give auto owners more control over vehicle data

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http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-connected-cars-bill-20140319,0,4924473.story



About 1 in 5 new cars already collects and transmits to manufacturers data about engine performance, safe or unsafe driving maneuvers, cellphone or entertainment system usage and location.

Bill would give auto owners more control over vehicle data
By Marc Lifsher
March 18, 2014, 6:05 p.m.

SACRAMENTO — California's two giant automobile clubs proposed legislation Tuesday that would give car owners more control over computer and Internet data streaming from their vehicles.

About 1 in 5 new cars already collect and transmit to manufacturers data about engine performance, safe or unsafe driving maneuvers, cellphone or entertainment system usage and location. By 2025, every passenger auto is expected to be a "connected car" that's in constant contact with the Internet and even with nearby cars.

"Our cars are quickly becoming mobile computers," said bill author Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel). "While this technology provides several important benefits to consumers, it is imperative that there are basic safeguards in place to ensure consumers can decide who has access to their data" and what information should remain private.

Now, much of the data is available only to carmakers and dealers, but the auto clubs are pushing for greater access for them and for independent mechanics, but only with the specific authorization of the vehicle owner.