The Facts
On Friday, Toyota revealed that the data of more than 2M customers in Japan was publicly accessible for over a decade due to human error, including details such as vehicle location, identification numbers, and footage recorded by the vehicle.
Since 2012, data from the Connected cloud service offered by Toyota had been mistakenly made public, with the company reassuring customers that individuals couldn't be identified based on the information and that there was no evidence of malicious use of the data.
The Spin
Narrative A
Internet-connected cars are a data security nightmare, as companies indiscriminately trawl as much data as possible from drivers, unaware they are operating what is effectively a smartphone on wheels. Everything from the number of passengers in the car to the music you listen to is being harvested and potentially shared with insurance companies, advertisers, law enforcement, and even malicious actors. We need clarity, regulation, and transparency about the uses of vehicle data.
Narrative B
All new technology comes with risks, but the benefits of connected vehicles far outweigh the risks, as they will enhance the driving experience and make us all safer. Automakers are making cutting-edge improvements to protect the digital security and privacy of their new vehicles, with tools such as artificial intelligence and facial recognition at their disposal. They are safer on the road as well, with advanced surveillance and sensor systems. We shouldn't let one innocent mistake cloud our perception of the future of driving.