Quebec report warns of privacy risks in connected vehicles

A report by Quebec’s commission on ethics in science and technology has identified significant privacy and security risks associated with modern connected vehicles. Describing contemporary cars as “computers on wheels,” the commission highlighted 12 major risks, including cybersecurity threats, location tracking, and unfair insurance practices.

The report notes that many smart vehicles utilize sensors, cameras, and microphones to collect data both inside and outside the car. This data is often stored on external cloud servers managed by third parties, creating vulnerabilities for hackers. The commission cited a 2024 incident where an unsecured Amazon Web Services database exposed the GPS history and sensitive information of approximately 800,000 Volkswagen electric vehicles.

Furthermore, the report warns of unfair insurance practices driven by algorithms. “Safe driver” programs that track behavior can penalize low-income shift workers who drive at night or through specific neighborhoods, leading to higher rates without transparency regarding how scores are calculated.