Driver data privacy

[fordc51]

I'm interested in a new Ranger, 2nd choice maybe Frontier. One thing that makes me hesitant on a new, high tech vehicle is Driver Data Privacy. Newer, connected vehicles seem to capture driver data and more. Some companies sell to insurance companies, hard to ,if not impossible to opt out . Its hard enough to protect yourself .. phone,computer, credit. Now your car, and you pay average $50k ? for the privilege of being spied on. Insurance cost are already through the roof on older vehicles. Almost makes me want to stay with older vehicle... rebuild my okd 93 f150, thats still running fine for 20 yrs now. 160k miles, not that high for a 93. Its a secondary vehicle for running around and truck stuff. New truck would be a primary vehicle. I'm getting older and like some of the driver safety features on newer vehicles and obviously mpg.​

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[RANGER/HOBB]

Most all the spying features can be turned off in the infotainment center. You can also opt out at Ford Security and Privacy.

 

[John E Davies]

What exactly are you asking? All modern tech is a big privacy risk, there is not much you can do, except in the case of a new Ranger, do not use the Connected Services, including the FordPass Connect app, and do not activate the onboard modem...

https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...c/how-do-i-change-sync-connectivity-settings/

I hate the Ford navigation, I got a free three year subscription but after a few tries I never use it. There are better “non-connected” alternatives, like a stand alone gps, and use your phone, connected by Android Auto or CarPlay, when you have a cell signal.

I bought my truck because at age 70, I felt that I needed the driver aids that my 10 year old truck did not have, and I do appreciate them a lot, every time I drive. The Connected stuff is dross IMHO.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Hootbro]

It is not a analog world anymore unfortunately. Have to pick your poison of what you value more, your privacy or going without the tech that keeps your vehicle updated since everything is a software push nowadays with it.

 

[fordc51]

I've saw where some companies sell driver data to insurance companies,causing rates to go up. I've saw issues specifically on BMW, and Chevy, several folks concerned about same with Ford. I think I saw where someone had opted out. Had a software update automatically changed, I maybe wrong on this.

 

[Jason B]

What exactly are you asking? All modern tech is a big privacy risk, there is not much you can do, except in the case of a new Ranger, do not use the Connected Services, including the FordPass Connect app, and do not activate the onboard modem...

https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...c/how-do-i-change-sync-connectivity-settings/

I hate the Ford navigation, I got a free three year subscription but after a few tries I never use it. There are better “non-connected” alternatives, like a stand alone gps, and use your phone, connected by Android Auto or CarPlay, when you have a cell signal.

I bought my truck because at age 70, I felt that I needed the driver aids that my 10 year old truck did not have, and I do appreciate them a lot, every time I drive. The Connected stuff is dross IMHO.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

Android Auto is Google. IMO, they are more intrusive than Ford will ever be. And another thing, just about every GPS system on a phone, and probably in a car, in one way or another, has to go thru Google.

 

[fordc51]

Agree on Google. But Google doesn't target my insurance company.

 

[Jason B]

Google sells data to whoever is willing to pay for it.

 

[Cyrric]

I'm just gonna go back to the Ford Pinto.

 

[SubaruRaptor]

Agree on Google. But Google doesn't target my insurance company.

Your insurance company is buying data from whom ever is selling it. There is not targeting. Google 100% sells data to Ford. Same with almost anything. Your ISP sells data, your bank sells data, hell your work sells it. It is extremely difficult to not have a profile on yourself in todays world, like you have to very actively take aggressive measures against it. Since the vast majority of people dont do that, outside of disliking it, you just have to accept it currently until better laws can be enforced around it.

The vast majority of businesses buy and sell data all the time.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

All your pictures, files, texts, emails, browsing history from your phone is STORED on the ranger forever and you can't delete ANY of it....and Ford pays their attorneys big bucks to keep it that way...


https://fordauthority.com/2023/10/ford-privacy-lawsuit-dismissed-in-washington-state/

 

[nowayjose]

Interesting thread. Have previously owned multiple rangers from '19-'23 models. Along with tint and bed liner, one of the first things after purchase has been to disconnect TCU completely. This was quite easy in previous models, but it seems to be more difficult in the '24.

Initial investigation on the '24 has led to a dual cable fakra connector (small coax cables) under the passenger side kick panel. When this is disconnected, the sync unit screen reports having no cel, no sat radio, and fm radio no longer picks up any stations. Along with this, there is a fuse for the TCU modem that can be pulled. I think it was #9 from the interior fuse panel.

After doing all of this, an extensive check (all modules) for fault codes found nothing. Truck has been driven for a couple weeks with no problems.

I would eventually like to find some more detailed wiring schematics and possibly dash assembly information to see if I can eventually get the TCU fully disconnected and maybe even get FM radio working.

*NOTE*:
To avoid derailing this thread into some unnecessary conjecture about the merits of individual data privacy preferences, I will say that I'm not interested in reductive nihilist hot takes on the issue as a response to my statements above. I'm well aware of the privacy implications with most forms of technology including modern mobile devices and do not require any advice or ill-advised gotcha statements from those that choose to deprioritize the issue in their own lives.

EDIT:
A somewhat detailed review of the semi-current state of data collection from each automobile manufacturer.

 

[SubaruRaptor]

All your pictures, files, texts, emails, browsing history from your phone is STORED on the ranger forever and you can't delete ANY of it....and Ford pays their attorneys big bucks to keep it that way...


https://fordauthority-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/fordauthority.com/2023/10/ford-privacy-lawsuit-dismissed-in-washington-state/amp/?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM=#amp_tf=From %1$s&aoh=17241716502673&referrer=https://www.google.com&ampshare=https://fordauthority.com/2023/10/ford-privacy-lawsuit-dismissed-in-washington-state/

Welcome to everything else you use on the internet.

 

[SubaruRaptor]

Interesting thread. Have previously owned multiple rangers from '19-'23 models. Along with tint and bed liner, one of the first things after purchase has been to disconnect TCU completely. This was quite easy in previous models, but it seems to be more difficult in the '24.

Initial investigation on the '24 has led to a dual cable fakra connector (small coax cables) under the passenger side kick panel. When this is disconnected, the sync unit screen reports having no cel, no sat radio, and fm radio no longer picks up any stations. Along with this, there is a fuse for the TCU modem that can be pulled. I think it was #9 from the interior fuse panel.

After doing all of this, an extensive check (all modules) for fault codes found nothing. Truck has been driven for a couple weeks with no problems.

I would eventually like to find some more detailed wiring schematics and possibly dash assembly information to see if I can eventually get the TCU fully disconnected and maybe even get FM radio working.

*NOTE*:
To avoid derailing this thread into some unnecessary conjecture about the merits of individual data privacy preferences, I will say that I'm not interested in reductive nihilist hot takes on the issue as a response to my statements above. I'm well aware of the privacy implications with most forms of technology including modern mobile devices and do not require any advice or ill-advised gotcha statements from those that choose to deprioritize the issue in their own lives.

EDIT:
A somewhat detailed review of the semi-current state of data collection from each automobile manufacturer.

Why go through the length of doing that though? What are you gaining? I assume you use major providers that already have this info, especially google or waze or apple that have your driving habits already.

I understand the want to control your data, but to what ends do you think your accomplishing beyond just denying Ford the data from a 1st party source?

Also your note, its the internet, no one cares, people are gonna reply.

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

All your pictures, files, texts, emails, browsing history from your phone is STORED on the ranger forever and you can't delete ANY of it....and Ford pays their attorneys big bucks to keep it that way...


https://fordauthority-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/fordauthority.com/2023/10/ford-privacy-lawsuit-dismissed-in-washington-state/amp/?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM=#amp_tf=From %1$s&aoh=17241716502673&referrer=https://www.google.com&ampshare=https://fordauthority.com/2023/10/ford-privacy-lawsuit-dismissed-in-washington-state/

1. That link doesn't work

2. That article doesn't say what you're claiming. It doesn't mention pictures, files, emails or browsing history anywhere. It says "call logs and text messages", which is obvious if you're using the connected system -- because the system has to access that data to handle incoming/outgoing calls and incoming/outgoing text messages via the infotainment. This has been standard practice in basically every new car for over a decade by now.

Every app you download on your phone is doing the same thing. At least the ford infotainment system is offering you a service (hands-free communication while operating a vehicle) that requires this data, versus the apps you download that are vacuuming up this info and not giving you any additional functionality.

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