Calif. Opens Privacy Probe Into Connected Vehicles

California Privacy Protection Agency enforcers will review connected vehicles and related technologies, the CPPA said Monday. The Enforcement Division will consider data privacy practices for cars’ cameras, location sharing, web-based entertainment and smartphone integration, the agency said. “Modern vehicles are effectively connected computers on wheels,” said CPPA Executive Director Ashkan Soltani. “They’re able to collect a wealth of information via built-in apps, sensors, and cameras, which can monitor people both inside and near the vehicle. Our Enforcement Division is making inquiries into the connected vehicle space to understand how these companies are complying with California law when they collect and use consumers’ data.” The agency is conducting the review under 2018’s California Consumer Privacy Act. A court recently delayed CPPA enforcement under the more recent California Privacy Rights Act (see 2307030025). California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) last month announced an "investigative sweep" into how employers are handling CCPA compliance (see 2307140051).