Consumer advocacy group Choice has raised alarm over the data collection practices embedded in the latest Toyota vehicles, revealing potential privacy breaches that could impact consumers’ personal information.
According to Choice’s investigation, smart technologies integrated into Toyota cars, such as the data communication module (DCM) known as “Connected Services,” are gathering sensitive data, including vehicle location, driving behavior, fuel levels, and even personal contact details.
Despite Toyota’s assurances about prioritizing customer privacy, the company has admitted that while the Connected Services feature can be disabled, it cannot be entirely removed from its vehicles without risking warranty voidance and functionality issues with Bluetooth and speakers.
Choice’s senior campaigns and policy adviser, Rafi Alam, expressed concern over the lack of clarity surrounding Toyota’s data collection policies, highlighting potential risks associated with sharing personal and vehicle data with third parties, including insurance companies and debt collectors.
A specific case brought to light by Choice involved a Queensland-based customer, Matthew, who encountered difficulties with the Connected Services feature after purchasing a Toyota HiLux. Despite requesting its removal, Matthew was informed that doing so would jeopardize his warranty and insurance coverage, prompting him to cancel his order and seek a refund.
Alam emphasized the growing privacy concerns surrounding smart-connected vehicles, urging government intervention to enforce stricter safeguards and prohibitions against the unauthorized collection and use of personal data.
In response, Toyota Australia reiterated its commitment to customer privacy, stating that customers are informed about the Connected Services feature as part of the sales process and have the option to opt out at any time. However, the company clarified that physically removing the DCM with a third party would be done at the customer’s own risk.
As debates around data privacy in the automotive industry intensify, the spotlight remains on Toyota and other manufacturers to ensure transparent practices and robust protections for consumer data in the age of smart technology integration in vehicles.