The Dutch Data Protection Commission has investigated and reprimanded Tesla over concerns regarding the privacy implications of its Sentry Mode feature. The feature, which is designed to detect “suspicious activity” around a parked Tesla, recorded anyone passing by the vehicle and stored images for one hour, according to the investigation.
Tesla has since revised the feature’s default settings to respond only if someone touches the vehicle, alerting the owner via smartphone notification, and cameras no longer automatically begin recording. Anyone who activates the Tesla will receive a warning via pulse headlights and a message displayed on the car’s touchscreen.
The Dutch DPA did not impose a fine on Tesla, saying that ultimately, each car owner is legally responsible for any images recorded by their vehicle. However, it is not the first time Tesla has faced concerns over privacy related to in-car cameras. Consumer Reports in 2021 warned that in-car monitoring systems transmitted video footage in which the occupants’ faces were visible to the automaker.
The Tesla case highlights how default settings of cameras and other surveillance devices can have privacy implications for individuals. The incident raises questions about how automakers and tech companies can ensure that users’ privacy is protected, particularly as vehicles are increasingly equipped with cameras, sensors, and other data-collection devices. It also highlights the importance of data protection authorities in investigating and enforcing privacy regulations to hold companies accountable for their actions.
As more cars are becoming connected and automated, privacy concerns related to vehicle data are likely to increase. While the use of vehicle data can benefit car manufacturers and third-party providers by enabling new services and business models, there are also risks that must be addressed to safeguard consumers’ privacy.
Regulators will need to balance the potential benefits of data use against the risks to individuals’ privacy, ensuring that data protection regulations keep pace with technological advances.
