This article discusses the ownership and collection of data by Tesla, specifically focusing on GPS data and its implications for privacy. The article highlights a case where Tesla’s GPS data was used to solve a series of bank robberies. It also discusses the potential for Tesla to provide similar GPS tracks for its customers. The article raises concerns about the difficulty of de-identifying historical location data and the challenges of guaranteeing complete anonymity. Additionally, it explores Tesla’s data sharing policy, the limitations of accessing data for vehicle owners, and the broader implications of data collection in the automotive industry. Overall, the article sheds light on the extensive data collection practices of Tesla and the associated privacy and surveillance concerns.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership of Tesla’s Data | Ownership and control of data | More regulations and restrictions on data ownership and use | Government regulations and privacy concerns |
| Tesla’s Potential Access to GPS Tracks | Potential access to GPS tracks for Tesla customers | Increased privacy concerns and potential for government access | Data privacy concerns and government access to data |
| Difficulty in Anonymizing Location Data | Difficulty in de-identifying historical location data | Stricter regulations and challenges in de-identifying data | Data privacy concerns and legal regulations |
| Government Access to Data | Governments seeking access to data | Increased government access to data | Government regulations and data value |
| Usefulness of Data for Insights | Data can provide valuable insights | More insights into road safety and vehicle performance | Data analysis and improvement |
| Need for Consumer Empowerment | Need for increased consumer control over data | Improved data permissions and disclosure for consumers | Consumer empowerment and industry standards |
| Challenges in Opting Out of Data Collection | Difficulty in completely opting out of data collection | Limited options for opting out without losing features | Consumer choices and trade-offs |
| Tesla’s Dominance in Data Collection | Tesla has the biggest empire of customer and vehicle data | Other automakers catching up in data collection | Industry competition and data-driven strategies |
| Surveillance, Privacy, and Accountability Challenges | Challenges around surveillance, privacy, and accountability | Continued concerns and discussions around these issues | Technological advancements and societal awareness |