Just came across a post on Reddit asking about cars, thought I’d ask here too.
The article the reddit post cited was: https://www.thankyourobot.com/2023/07/on-road-to-privacy-invasion-unmasking.html
In short, if I’m in the market to purchase a new car, which one should I go for to improve privacy? And if we assume that such a thing is not possible anymore, what can we do for our (newer) cars to be more private? I was considering things like removing the radio antenna (if I can, that depends on the model of the car).
I’m also interested in knowing just how would car companies mine information from a car if I haven’t connected my mobile to it? Do cars have SIMs inside them that have free 4G/5G access and can send information that way? How would I check if my car is doing something like this?
Thanks!
Many modern cars do have their own gps or cellular network for things like remote access/control. Some higher end cars also phone home with maintenance information that can help service managers and techs preemptively reach out for services. The only possible way to avoid that would be to stick to lower trim budget brands/models, but even then it’s hard for to avoid entirely.
I do plan to stick to budget cars. I’m looking at the Toyota Corolla as a prospective example, and am trying to figure out the easiest way to detach the antenna without damaging the car.
Honestly, I’m not sure how much you will achieve by removing the antenna. Especially when you use a cell phone and computer. What is it about car manufacturers that you are trying to hide from?
That sounds like a slippery slope. Your argument could be used each time a different device adds tracking until you’re saying “why disable your underwear tracking device, when you already use a phone and a car?”.
Plus, if you care about privacy, you can always use a Linux PC 99% of the time and a de-googled Android 99% of the time.
MORE data collection is never good, wanted or needed.
Wasn’t intending to invalidate OP wanting privacy, I just don’t think that removing the antenna will do what they want.
Your argument is purposefully obtuse tho, lol. Underwear tracking… lol.
I could limit tracking with Custom ROMs and Faraday bags for my portable devices. What can I do about a car?
Very fair, I didn’t mean to invalidate what your trying to do. You could definitely remove the antenna and depending on the car maybe it will alleviate some tracking, that would probably depend on the car. Many modern cars don’t even have antennas and you may need yo go closer to the head unit and may even need to replace it.