cross-posted from: https://piefed.world/c/technology/p/1247241/all-cars-sold-in-the-eu-now-require-a-camera-aimed-at-your-face-its-still-not-clear-wher
cross-posted from: https://piefed.world/c/tech/p/1247209/all-cars-sold-in-the-eu-now-require-a-camera-aimed-at-your-face-its-still-not-clear-wher
Starting July 7, 2026, every new car sold in the European Union must include a driver monitoring camera aimed at your face. Glance at your phone, your kids in the back seat, or the radio for too long, and the car will flash a warning light and sound an alert.
Automakers have known this was coming for years. What they, and EU regulators, have never spelled out is what happens to that footage after the alert goes off.
While the intention behind the new system is difficult to dispute, its implementation has raised several concerns. Early real-world testing suggests the distraction warnings can be overly sensitive and potentially distracting.
The article is right to critizice the lack of checking the systems for breaches, but the law is pretty clear on how the data can be used legally.
The law requiring the camera also requires the system to be a closed loop, and also that no personal data is processed.
Since it’s illegal to use the data for anything other than showing the warnings inside the car, it is unlikely that it would get used in case of accidents, unless the car manufacturers are willing to admit to breaking the law.
I’m sure insurance companies would also love to see how their customers drive, but I don’t think this is in the interest of the car manufacturers who potentially and illegally hold the data.
Businesses following the law and missing out on an opportunity to sell your data? Not happening.
Its probably one of the 1124 partners that have genuine interest in the cookies that you opt out of when you buy the car.
And it’s perfectly secure and transnational corporations are never above the law /s