Although it may be hard to sympathize with a hit-and-run driver like Bernstein, the very real risk that Ford’s 911 Alert and similar technologies will incriminate drivers for minor offenses or even nothing at all should frighten anyone concerned about their privacy. How does, say, the Fourth Amendment come into play with this incriminating system? Natural News reports:
“Bernstein’s unusual case highlights the unforeseen implications of this and other ‘smart’ technology, said Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He compared it to another case in which a person had their illegal marijuana growing operation reported to police after posting a picture of it on a social media network. In both cases, the users of the technology technically made the decision to share the information that got them arrested.
‘Technology is moving so fast that people can forget what information is being collected and who it’s going to,’ Stanley said.
Even vehicles not equipped with 911-calling features may contain other features that threaten users’ privacy and safety. Many cars now contain computers with GPS devices, allowing authorities to locate or even track them. And Congress has launched investigations into the threat of cyber-attacks to hijack the ‘smart,’ Internet-connected computer systems now available on many vehicles.
Over the summer, Fiat-Chrysler was forced to issue a recall of 1.4 million vehicles after hackers demonstrated a way to remotely take control of a Jeep’s air-conditioner, stereo, GPS system, transmission and brakes.”
How smart is too smart?
Ford spokesperson Alan Hall said he was unaware of any other cases in which the 911 Assist feature had led to the arrest of the car’s own driver. But he noted that in a technical sense, the feature “worked exactly like it was supposed to” – that is, it called 911 after a collision, and allowed dispatchers to call the driver back to make sure they were still conscious and not in need of rescue.
Hall also noted that drivers must deliberately opt-in to the 911 Assist feature and connect it to their phones in order for it to operate.
It is unknown exactly how many cars currently on the road contain similar 911 dialing features. However, the capability is planned for every car in the European Union as of 2018.
Bernstein’s unusual case highlights the unforeseen implications of this and other “smart” technology, said Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He compared it to another case in which a person had their illegal marijuana growing operation reported to police after posting a picture of it on a social media network. In both cases, the users of the technology technically made the decision to share the information that got them arrested.
“Technology is moving so fast that people can forget what information is being collected and who it’s going to,” Stanley said.
Source: Natural News
Photo: Ford
The same tech that your insurance company is using to determine what people like you do with cars like yours is also used by anyone who can hack or get a warrant. Hell… they don’t even need warrants anymore. The tech that might be used one day to locate someone doing something nefarious is being used daily to determine if the owner or operator is doing something illegal.
This is why you should remove the airbag control module from the car. I would also pop open the antenna and cut the cable for the for wifi, but that is just me. They are not adding features for your benefit, it is for theirs.
Onstar can do the same function. It should be disconnected, if not outright removed, if possible. There is no reason to ever allow anyone the ability to shut off your vehicle.
84 F150. I can run over anyone I want. Don’t have any lights in the dash.
Who didn’t see this coming?
Jake Greene better watch out!
Someday, all freedom to drive will be gone in the name of safety. Computerized cars and highways will instantly ticket, do toxic screenings and shut down upon police commands.scary.
Yes! Big difference…
Don’t want that car either way…
remember when they did the clunker scam? so you have to buy new ones
Thas cool. Could never affrd new car anyway.
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