Robert Botkin, Sarah Hutchins, and Todd Sprinkle co-wrote an article in the National Association of Dealer Counsel’s newsletter about recent state and federal actions and laws targeting the automotive industry over location and driving behavior data practices. 

"Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it was taking action against General Motors and OnStar over allegations that the companies did not adequately notify customers and obtain consent related to the collection, use, and sharing of data," they wrote. "The federal action comes on the heels of a complaint filed last August by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton — also against GM — centered on the alleged unauthorized sale of consumer data." 

"As of the start of this year, you can also add Connecticut to a growing list of states focused on consumer privacy," they continued. "The Connecticut Data Privacy Act impacts certain auto dealerships as businesses covered under the law must honor a universal opt out preference from consumers over the use or sale of their personal data. Automotive dealers should take this opportunity to review their data practices, especially in technologies that have not traditionally fallen under data privacy scrutiny, ensuring that they are transparent and that consumers are informed about how their data is used."

Click here to read the full article: Recent Federal and State Actions, Laws Target Automotive Industry Over Location and Driving Behavior Data Practices

The Defender is the National Association of Dealer Counsel's official newsletter.