In-car navigation companies aren’t giving adequate information to...

In-car navigation companies aren’t giving adequate information to consumers about how they are using and sharing private location data, said a GAO report released Monday (http://1.usa.gov/1a1DAkH). The rise of in-car communication systems, portable navigation devices (PND) and smartphones means drivers have ample opportunity to access location-based information, the report said, citing a study that found the market for in-car data transmission networks will nearly triple to 31.6 million subscribers by 2016. And of the 10 companies queried -- including auto manufacturers, PND companies, mobile map and navigation app developers -- nine share location data with third-party companies, said the report. “All 10 selected companies have taken steps consistent with some, but not all, industry-recommended privacy practices,” the report said. “In addition, the companies’ privacy practices were, in certain instances, unclear, which could make it difficult for consumers to understand the privacy risks that may exist.” Senate Privacy Subcommittee Chairman Al Franken, D-Minn., requested the report after a May 2011 hearing on protecting mobile privacy, said a Monday release (http://1.usa.gov/1a1DAkH). Later that year, Franken sent a letter to in-car navigation device company OnStar, urging it to change its privacy policy on tracking former subscribers. Within a month, the company did change its policy. “Companies providing in-car location services are taking their customers’ privacy seriously -- but this report shows that Minnesotans and people across the country need much more information about how the data are being collected, what they're being used for, and how they're being shared with third parties,” Franken said. The GAO report was released the same day a group of technology and auto companies -- Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and Nvidia -- revealed the formation of the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), which intends to bring the Android platform to cars in 2014, said a release (http://bit.ly/19MiJHN). “Partnering with Google and the OAA on an ecosystem that spans across vehicles and handheld mobile devices furthers our mission to bring vehicles into our owners['] digital lives and their digital lives into their vehicles,” said Mary Chan, president of General Motors’ Global Connected Consumer Unit, in a statement. Franken’s release said he plans to reintroduce his Location Privacy Protection Act, which was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in December 2012, but never reached a floor vote (http://1.usa.gov/Kvw6zQ). The bill would require user consent to collect any geolocation information from an electronic device. “It’s just commonsense that all companies should get their customers’ clear permission before they collect or share their location information,” Franken said.