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submitted 2 weeks ago by PearOfJudes@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

I think car privacy isn't talked about amongst any privacy enthusiasts online ever, and it apparently is one of the biggest data collectors out there. For someone like me who values electric cars for there affordability and environmental reasons, but still want physical car buttons and control over my data, how would I go about this?

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[-] artyom@piefed.social 46 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)
  1. Remove the modem, sometimes called the TCU.
  2. Buy a Slate truck. It has no connectivity.

E: if you have the disposable funds or the skills you can do an EV conversion.

[-] asbestos@lemmy.world 40 points 2 weeks ago

Wouldn’t be surprised if it kept all the data internally and then published it to their servers when you go for to a service center or do maintenance.

[-] Jarix@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

If they aren't already will be only a matter of time before they do this

[-] guillem@aussie.zone 22 points 2 weeks ago

"Bezos-backed"? There has to be a catch somewhere.

[-] Bob_Robertson_IX@discuss.tchncs.de 19 points 2 weeks ago

The catch is it'll be enshittified as soon as it can.

[-] monovergent@lemmy.ml 11 points 2 weeks ago

Keeping an eye on it since no other company is offering a similar lack of connectivity, but also not going to be surprised if it doesn't deliver on its promises.

[-] Hirom@beehaw.org 12 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

The sad thing is you paid to get a car with a TCU, then paid a mechnic to remove it. Assuming you're not a mechnic/hobbist yourself.

It's good that Mozilla is shaming car companies and shining a spotlight on the issue. Journalists need to ask about tracking and privacy when a new car model comes out. Buyer should ask sellers the same.

[-] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 week ago

no, I paid to get a car without that telemetry, as it would be part of the condition of sale

people don't need to just accept what the dealer says. they can tell them to fuck off and go buy somewhere else

[-] PearOfJudes@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 week ago

I often find "free market baby" doesn't work with monopolies, or if all companies are doing the same evil thing.

[-] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 0 points 1 week ago

true, effectiveness is not guaranteed

but you can still opt out entirely. bought a 2012 without that bullshit just yesterday

[-] artyom@piefed.social 1 points 1 week ago

I find myself often paying more for less these days. The Slate truck isn't really a great deal either when comparing to something like the new Chevy Equinox EV.

[-] magiccupcake@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

Alternatively, if you can't remove the modem, find and remove the antenna. And if you can't remove the antenna try and surround it with a metal, like aluminum foil.

[-] PearOfJudes@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 week ago

Slate trucks loot a little bit too gimicky for me, and I'm not sure if it's coming to my country either.

this post was submitted on 16 Nov 2025
384 points (99.5% liked)

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