Komando.com

Free privacy tool: See what your CAR collects about you

A new car has over 1,400 microchips and runs on 100 million lines of code. Because it is connected, it can also collect a lot of data about you.

Your car is like your phone, computer or tablet now — always listening. What is your vehicle collecting? Way more than we’d all like to think.

Try my free tech news email, trusted by over 500,000 people like you.

Your car is so nosey

The Vehicle Privacy Report is put out by a company called Privacy4Cars. They delete synched personal data from used cars before they’re resold — which is how carmakers comply with privacy laws and make money. But they offer tools for consumers, too.

One is a free privacy tool you can use. Your car’s maker might collect:

You’ll also see who your information is shared with — think insurance companies, the government and data brokers.

Go here to enter your car’s VIN. Depending on your car’s make and model, it can be pretty shocking.

One of my team members drives a Hyundai

Vehicle Privacy Report returned a rundown of the car. Hyundai collects information to predict your “preferences, characteristics, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, or similar behavioral information.” Uh, OK.

The carmaker shares and sells that info to its parent companies, subsidiaries, sister companies and service providers. That includes analytics partners, advertising agencies and social networks. Sheesh.

You can delete all that data from your car

Privacy4Cars also has a free iOS and Android app. With it, you can wipe out your phone book, call logs, text messages, navigation history, home address, garage door codes, passwords, biometrics and vehicle credentials.

My recommendation: Use Privacy4Cars after every rental and before selling, turning in or trading your vehicle. No, they didn’t ask me to tell you this. Just a smart privacy step.

Keep your tech-know going

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.

PODCAST PICK: TikTok car theft mess, AI-powered Microsoft Office & Google Maps gas savings

Plus, is your auto data for sale? Check out a free tool to see what info your car shares about you. A dad needs a way to monitor his kid’s iPad use — I give my advice. A crazy dating site based on “hotness,” how to stand out in video calls and protect your privacy before selling your old phone.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 500,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.

Copyright 2023, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking the shopping links, you’re supporting my research. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in.