Ford launches a 'privacy promise' after GM's $220M data-sale settlement
Ford pledges explicit customer control over vehicle data and launches an explainer site ahead of its next connected EVs.
What to know
- Ford pledges an "explicit commitment" to keep vehicle data safe and give customers control, via a new explainer website, ahead of its next-generation connected EV platform.
- The push follows regulatory pressure on automakers: GM's $220 million settlement with 36 states and FTC scrutiny over selling driver data.
- Ford's own research found 91% of surveyed consumers consider data privacy important, though only 14% of drivers say they understand what data their vehicle collects.
- Rivals like Bezos-backed Slate Auto are marketing themselves as better data stewards, adding competitive pressure for Ford's move.
“We did a survey of 1,000 consumers, and 91% of them said that data privacy was a key consideration for them.”
Kristin Jones, Ford chief privacy officer · TechCrunch ↗ · Nov 1
Kristin Jones Ford chief privacy officerFord AutomakerGeneral Motors AutomakerSlate Auto EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts
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background
Ford unveils a 'privacy promise' and data website — Ford launched an "explicit commitment" to keep customer vehicle data safe and give drivers control over what they share, alongside a new website explaining what data it collects and how to adjust settings, ahead of its upcoming connected EV platform.
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Privacy writer greets pledge with skepticism
Technology policy writer Glyn Moody shared the announcement with a skeptical one-line reaction, questioning whether Ford will follow through on the commitment.
“well, we will see, won't we?”
— glynmoody.bsky.social -
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Ford said it's making an "explicit commitment" to its customers that "their vehicle data is safe" with the company. https:// techcrunch.com/2026/11/02/ford -launches-a-privacy-promise-and-explains-how-and-why-it-uses-a-customers-data/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon
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background
GM settles for $220M over selling driver data — General Motors agreed to pay $220 million to settle with 36 states after selling customers' driving data to third parties, a practice that also drew Federal Trade Commission scrutiny.
Also covered reported alongside — the timeline has no entry for these yet
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2 outlets Ford launches a 'privacy promise' and explains how and why it uses customer data | TechCrunch
first by Mastodon, 10d ago · also TechCrunch
1 more headline
- Ford launches a ‘privacy promise’ and explains how and why it uses customer data TechCrunch · 10d ago
What people are saying 13 voices from 4 sites · best of 14 · verbatim
- Nov 3
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> What does Ford use connected vehicle data for?The answer to this question is simply "money". Ford uses your data for money.
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Ford announces "Privacy Promise" days after $220M settlement of case alleging data selling to third parties
- Nov 2
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You know who really needs to do this? BMW.First thing it told me when I was setting up the customization area was something around ...if you enable BMW account sync, this car will transmit all audio, video and any other data recorded to BMW for its use blah blah...Ugh
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I don’t want a privacy policy. I want my data, and I don’t want them to have it.
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Easiest way to control your data is to pull the telemetry unit out of of your car and never take the car to the dealership. This isn't easy, but it's worth it.
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Don't let Ford PR crowd out the primary message that they collect and sell your data.
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"Your data is safe with us."No, our data is barely even safe with ourselves. It's definitely not safe with anyone else!
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All I can read from that title is double-speak about how it's your responsibility to opt out, your problem if you don't.
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Personally I would like a car that simply does not generate any "data" in the first place.
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If you follow the links, the first thing it tells you is "Download the app".[1]Vehicle Data Sharing appears to be opt-out, not opt-in. They do say "If you’d like to ensure you’re not sharing data, check Vehicle Connectivity in your Settings menu in-vehicle and toggle it off." After doing that, someone should check to see if the wireless modem is…
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I'll guess they timed the announcement, to contrast with GM paying out 9 figures for selling consumer data - https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/10/gm-to-pay-220-million-a...It'd be lovely if other automakers followed suit, but I wouldn't actually bet on Ford keeping its Promise.
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TL;DR: Ford has pledged not to sell customer driving data to third-party data brokers, distinguishing itself from competitors who have faced legal scrutiny for sharing telematics without consent. https://www. theverge.com/transportation/10 24386/ford-customer-driving-data-privacy-promise-data-brokers # law # tech # legaltech ⚖️ 🤖 # autosum
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I think he's talking about storing and processing data on board rather than sending to servers. I agree with him. The DCM in my vehicle has been disconnected from cellular internet for 4 years now, and I'm able to get the info I need just fine. This should be the rule for smartwatches as well. My Pebble used to process everything on my phone, no…