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In an internet-driven world, modern connected cars are under scrutiny from regulators and industry bodies largely due to their ability to collect and share private driver information.
While car makers generally use anonymised driver data for a range of purposes, such as maintenance, automatic SOS notification and real-time traffic conditions, some regulators are starting to target car makers.
As reported by Drive in April 2026, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is currently investigating two Asia-based car makers over alleged breaches of the collection of private driver data.
While an OAIC spokesperson confirmed it is looking into a range of potential violations, they did say GPS location was identified as a key concern.
“Location data, in particular, which connected vehicles have the potential to easily collect, is a specific category of data that presents a clear privacy concern,” an OAIC spokesperson previously told Drive.
Though internet-connected cars are undoubtedly useful and convenient, some car owners are sharing their concerns, with a few drivers reaching out to Drive following a segment on Channel 9’s Today show.
“I saw your segment on air and was hoping for your advice on how I can prevent my car data from being shared with the car company or the dealer. I am interested in understanding what steps I can take to better manage my privacy,” a Drive reader asked.
Depending on your car, drivers can either turn off data-sharing features in the car’s infotainment privacy settings or through the brand’s connected services mobile app.
A spokesperson for South Korean car maker Kia said, "If customers do not wish for their personal information to be stored, they should not activate the Kia Connect services".
In the case of Mazda, a spokesperson said its connected services – which offer features such as remote lock, vehicle locator and geofencing – are optional and drivers can opt out of these functions through its app.
“By default, Mazda vehicles that are compatible with Mazda Connected Services are only activated if the customer chooses to opt in and enrol. If enrolled, customers can easily unenroll at any time through the MyMazda App,” they told Drive.
While some car makers can record in-cabin audio, a Mazda Australia spokesperson confirmed the brand only records audio relating to emergency situations.
“Mazda does not record any audio of customer conversations unless the customer or vehicle initiates an emergency call with an enrolled Connected Vehicle," they said.
For BMW owners, a spokesperson for the brand said drivers can “fully disable the in-vehicle SIM card to stop any vehicle data sharing with BMW, which can be done at any BMW dealership”.
Additionally, the German luxury marque said users can control which types of data they feel comfortable sharing in its mobile app.
“BMW customers can decide what data is shared via the BMW ID and app-based privacy settings. They can opt in or out of specific data categories to tailor data sharing to their comfort level,” a BMW spokesperson said.
To view which features support data sharing, visit your BMW profile’s data management settings, where the privacy settings should be available.
From there, there are four main categories – BMW ConnectedDrive, Navigation, Product Improvement, and Voice control/assistants – where owners can choose to disable all data-sharing features or just a select few.
Tesla Australia's privacy policies state owners can disable their car's data-sharing function through the vehicle's infotainment system settings. However, it did state that any vehicle data it collects is anonymised.
"If you choose to enable data sharing, your vehicle may collect the data and make it available to Tesla for analysis ... this collected information is not linked to your account or VIN and does not identify you personally," its website states.
Likewise, popular brands such as Toyota allow owners to unsubscribe from connected services in their mobile app. However, the Japanese legacy car maker warned that unsubscribing from the brand's connected SOS feature will require a visit to a local dealer or a call to its myToyota Connected Account Enquiries.
Though car makers technically allow drivers to restrict data sharing or permanently unsubscribe from their connected services, some privacy regulators said the process is often limited.
Speaking at a 2025 UNSW workshop, Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said "In many cases, car users are opted in automatically to connected car features when they buy the car or download the car's app".
"If they want to opt out, it is either difficult or there is no ability to do so ... Limiting people's choice and control is a clear example of how companies can wield powers over individuals," she said.
Ethan Cardinal graduated with a Journalism degree in 2020 from La Trobe University and has been working in the fashion industry as a freelance writer prior to joining Drive in 2023. Ethan greatly enjoys investigating and reporting on the cross sections between automotive, lifestyle and culture. Ethan relishes the opportunity to explore how deep cars are intertwined within different industries and how they could affect both casual readers and car enthusiasts.
