Texas Goes After General Motors With Legal Action

Texas is taking on automotive giant General Motors in a lawsuit that exposes a potential breach of millions of Americans’ privacy rights.

At a Glance

Texas sues GM for allegedly collecting and selling drivers’ data without proper consent
Lawsuit claims GM deceived customers through a complex enrollment process
Data collection reportedly affected an estimated 16 million drivers, including 1.8 million Texans
Case highlights growing concerns over data privacy in the automotive industry

Texas Takes GM to Court Over Data Privacy

In a bold move to protect citizens’ privacy rights, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against General Motors (GM), accusing the automotive giant of unlawfully collecting and selling drivers’ data. The lawsuit, which follows an investigation initiated in June, alleges that GM engaged in deceptive practices that violated Texans’ privacy and broke state law.

https://youtu.be/IdKzPaTcXpc?si=_SdG2-48wTWAe8Tz

Attorney General Paxton didn’t mince words when addressing the gravity of the situation. “We will hold them accountable,” he stated, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens from invasive technology and corporate overreach.

The Scope of GM’s Alleged Data Collection

The lawsuit claims that GM used advanced technology in most of its 2015 or newer models to collect, record, analyze, and transmit detailed driving data. This data was allegedly sold to several companies, with GM asserting that customers had consented to this practice. However, the state argues that this consent was obtained through deceptive means.

Paxton’s office said customers were unwittingly “’agreeing’ to General Motors’ collection and sale of their data. Despite lengthy and convoluted disclosures, General Motors never informed its customers of its actual conduct — the systematic collection and sale of their highly detailed driving data.”

Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues General Motors for Unlawfully Collecting Drivers' Private Data and Selling it To Several Companies, Including Insurance Companies: https://t.co/rsBc6QwIhV

— Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) August 13, 2024

The scale of this alleged data collection is staggering, potentially affecting up to 16 million drivers nationwide, including 1.8 million Texans.

GM’s Response and the Broader Implications

In response to the lawsuit, a General Motors spokesperson stated, “We’ve been in discussions with the Attorney General’s office and are reviewing the complaint. We share the desire to protect consumers’ privacy.” While this statement acknowledges the importance of privacy, it falls short of addressing the specific allegations raised by the Texas Attorney General’s office.

This case brings to light larger questions about data transparency and privacy in the automotive industry. As our vehicles become increasingly connected and data-driven, it’s crucial that consumers are fully aware of what information is being collected and how it’s being used.

A Call for Greater Oversight

The lawsuit against GM has caught the attention of federal lawmakers. Senators Ron Wyden and Edward J. Markey have urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the auto industry’s data collection and sharing practices. This bipartisan call for action underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for comprehensive privacy protections at the national level.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how data is collected and used in the automotive industry and beyond. In an era where our cars are becoming rolling computers, it’s more important than ever to ensure that our privacy rights are protected. The lawsuit against GM serves as a wake-up call for both consumers and corporations alike. It’s time for all Americans to take a stand for their digital privacy and demand accountability from those who would seek to profit from our personal information without our informed consent.