For decades, the car was a relatively private space – a bubble of solitude where you could belt out a tune, argue with your sat nav, or quietly reflect at the traffic lights. But with the rise of smart vehicles, particularly high-tech electric vehicles (EVs), that sense of privacy is being challenged in ways many drivers may not even realise.
Take Tesla, for instance. Widely admired for revolutionising the electric car industry, Tesla has become just as famous for its embedded tech. From Autopilot, which allows partial self-driving, to Sentry Mode, which turns the car into a 360-degree surveillance system when parked, Tesla’s vehicles are packed with sensors, cameras and advanced data processing systems. What’s less well known is just how much personal data these features can collect – and where that data might end up.
The Data Under the Dashboard
Tesla’s cars record extensive information. This includes your location history, your driving style (speeding, hard braking, swerving), and even footage from the cabin-facing camera, especially in newer models. Tesla insists this information isn’t linked to a specific individual by default, but the grey area lies in how and when that data can be matched to you, especially if requested by authorities or third parties.
In 2023, reports emerged from the US of Tesla employees sharing sensitive footage from customer vehicles, allegedly for entertainment. It’s a reminder that even data gathered with the best intentions – like improving road safety or enhancing autonomous driving – can pose risks when oversight is lacking or policies aren’t clearly understood by users.
Privacy for Tesla Owners in Australia
Australian Tesla owners are not immune to these concerns. Although Tesla complies with Australian privacy law, many of the same default data collection features are active here too. So, what can you actually do to protect your privacy?
Start with the car’s onboard settings:
- Sentry Mode: Turn it off in private locations such as your home or workplace unless needed. This prevents continuous recording when parked.
- Cabin Camera: Head to Controls > Safety > Cabin Camera to disable data sharing from the in-cabin camera.
- Data Sharing: Go to Controls > Software > Data Sharing and untick options like “Help Improve Tesla’s Products” and “Fleet Learning,” which reduce the amount of usage data sent back to Tesla HQ.
On the Tesla app:
- Disable location tracking when not in use.
- Avoid linking your account with third-party apps or services unless absolutely necessary.
And when it’s time to sell your Tesla, perform a full factory reset to wipe any paired devices, navigation history, and stored video footage. You’d be surprised how many people sell their vehicles without realising just how much residual data is left behind.
It’s Not Just Tesla
Tesla may be the poster child for EV data collection, but other manufacturers are on the same road. Chinese-owned BYD and MG, both of which have seen significant growth in Australia’s EV market, also feature connected infotainment systems and app integrations that collect data. BYD’s Atto 3, for example, connects with its smartphone app to offer real-time vehicle status and tracking – a brilliant convenience, but a privacy risk if not configured properly.
Volvo, which has repositioned itself as a safety-forward EV brand with its EX30 and XC40 Recharge, takes a slightly different approach. The company has been praised for its transparency around data collection and user consent, but it too gathers driving behaviour and location data, particularly for its semi-autonomous features and remote diagnostics. Volvo drivers can manage data settings via the Volvo Cars app or the centre console system.
The Trade-Offs: Safety, Convenience and Surveillance
The uncomfortable truth is that some of the most appealing features of modern EVs depend on collecting your data. Real-time traffic prediction, over-the-air software updates, theft protection, crash detection – all rely on sharing information with a central server.
By reducing data sharing, you might limit the car’s ability to provide these conveniences. Sentry Mode, for instance, can be genuinely useful in the event of vandalism or theft, as Australian Tesla drivers have discovered. But it also records passers-by without their knowledge, raising ethical and legal questions – particularly in public or shared spaces.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Do you prioritise cutting-edge safety and convenience, or do you prefer to retain more control over your digital footprint?
Tips for Staying Private in a Connected Car World
- Know your rights: Familiarise yourself with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), which govern how companies collect and use your data.
- Read the fine print: Manufacturers’ privacy policies often outline more than you think. Tesla’s, for instance, details how it may share data with law enforcement without a warrant under certain conditions.
- Use guest profiles: When lending your EV to someone else, switch to a guest profile to avoid logging their habits or locations under your name.
- Secure your app: Use two-factor authentication and avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi when using car-related apps.
Smart cars are here to stay, and they bring with them immense possibilities – but also complex questions about surveillance, consent, and control. As the technology evolves, so too must our understanding of what it means to drive privately in a connected world.
I always value your thoughts on these evolving issues, especially as they touch on both personal freedom and exciting new tech.
Please feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences – whether you’re a Tesla owner or just curious about the future of driving.