385
submitted 2 months 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?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] artyom@piefed.social 47 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months 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 months 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 2 months ago

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

[-] Hirom@beehaw.org 12 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 months 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 2 months 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
385 points (99.5% liked)

Privacy

45900 readers
1408 users here now

A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

Some Rules

Related communities

much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS