Chinese company secretly collects and sells car owner information
Collecting and selling vehicle owner information raises concerns about future information security.
A Mercedes-Benz executive has revealed that Chinese companies are secretly collecting and selling car owners' information.
The incident came to light when a Chinese company offered Mr. Claus Ehlers - Mercedes-Benz's strategy director - to buy behavioral data of all Mercedes-Benz car owners in this country.
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Chinese company is secretly collecting and selling car owner information. |
Claus Ehlers added that the company is combining the collected vehicle owner data with government data to build a complete profile. Ehlers did not provide specifics on the exact data the company has.
However, the sheetQZIt is possible that the information the company provides to automakers is an analysis of car owners' habits. For example, if a Mercedes-Benz owner has a habit of driving at high speeds, the manufacturer could offer them a more powerful car.
The company also offers information about Chinese owners of other brands of cars, though Mr. Ehlers declined to provide further details due to privacy concerns.
As cars become smarter, more advanced, and more connected, they have raised concerns about information security. While this is just the beginning, it could become a major threat in the future, as the collection and sale of information has become so common in the Internet world.
