23 points KoftaBob 2 hours ago 13 comments

bell-cot 2 hours ago | parent

I'll guess they timed the announcement, to contrast with GM paying out 9 figures for selling consumer data - https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/10/gm-to-pay-220-million-a...

It'd be lovely if other automakers followed suit, but I wouldn't actually bet on Ford keeping its Promise.

Animats 1 hour ago | parent

If you follow the links, the first thing it tells you is "Download the app".[1]

Vehicle Data Sharing appears to be opt-out, not opt-in. They do say "If you’d like to ensure you’re not sharing data, check Vehicle Connectivity in your Settings menu in-vehicle and toggle it off." After doing that, someone should check to see if the wireless modem is still emitting.

[1] https://www.ford.com/data-and-privacy/manage-your-settings/c...

QDwQ1 1 hour ago | parent

Personally I would like a car that simply does not generate any "data" in the first place.

basilikum 1 hour ago | parent

These fuckers don't even allow anonymous access from Tor to this very site where they claim to honor your privacy.

midtake 55 minutes ago | parent

All I can read from that title is double-speak about how it's your responsibility to opt out, your problem if you don't.

Luke2642 43 minutes ago | parent

"Your data is safe with us."

No, our data is barely even safe with ourselves. It's definitely not safe with anyone else!

xnx 40 minutes ago | parent

Don't let Ford PR crowd out the primary message that they collect and sell your data.

SamInTheShell 28 minutes ago | parent

Easiest way to control your data is to pull the telemetry unit out of of your car and never take the car to the dealership. This isn't easy, but it's worth it.

jimt1234 13 minutes ago | parent

There should be an "airplane mode" for cars.

calvinmorrison 24 minutes ago | parent

Why is there even data

kmeisthax 14 minutes ago | parent

I fully expect a Louis Rossmann video by tomorrow detailing every privacy fuck-up Ford has done in the last 3 months and how this promise is really just a promise to take away ownership in the name of protection.