Data Privacy And Ownership – Who Owns Car-Generated Data?

Keywords: Autonomous Vehicles, Car-Generated Data, eCall, Ownership

Today's cars include up to 100 electronic control units as well as numerous sensor networks and assistance systems. While these devices can improve the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers, they also can collect and store a great deal of information about the current driving pattern, geolocation, traffic or even weather conditions. Some data collected this way can, either by itself or in connection with other data, also be considered personal data.

The importance and number of data-gathering instruments in vehicles will most likely increase once autonomous vehicles hit the road. So-called "connected cars" are even equipped with wireless connectivity that allows real-time transmission of information—even between the vehicles themselves.