AfterDawn: Tech news

OnStar changes ToS to be able to stalk you, always

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 22 Sep 2011 11:51 User comments (11)

OnStar changes ToS to be able to stalk you, always OnStar, the service that allows connected drivers to call live operators in case of emergency or even for directions, has recently changed its ToS and has come under fire.
Beginning later this year, OnStar will continue collecting data from users who have discontinued their service, unless they specifically call in and say they want the connection severed.

Speed, location, and other GPS data will remain collected, even if you don't pay for the service anymore.

Adding to concerns is the fact that the ToS says the data collected can be shared with or sold to third parties for any purpose, as long as personal identifiers are removed.

GM, the owners of OnStar, say leaving the connection on will let it send car owners updated warranties, recall data or warn of dangerous weather conditions.

Tags: OnStar GM stalker
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11 user comments

122.9.2011 14:37

Originally posted by mystic:
or how about just let the gov. know where you are and if you have been to a certain house .. look between our phones tracking us and our cars anything that has web excess can and is tracking the laptop sitting next to you on the couch .. your web assessable mp3 player anything once its registered to you it adds to your global web presence and yes they trade that info back and forth and people wonder how anyone could track where or what they are up to ? what about all the web cams everywhere more big brother... but with all this tech they cant catch the bad guys... sad but they can make the average Joe feel like they are being watched ...( hey Joe, they are)

222.9.2011 15:33

That should be cause for a lawsuit against GM. I'm pretty sure there's something about not opting people into contracts/data collections/services without their consent.

322.9.2011 15:48

Yet another reason I stick with my old F150 and don't carry a cell phone (got along all my life without one, no need for one now). I have nothing to hide but enjoy what privacy I can carve out in this day and age

422.9.2011 15:48

Big Brother. Nasty little games they have there. Patriot Act... "A rose by any other name..." I'm sure there are a few other perfectly good colloquialisms we can throw at this one.

522.9.2011 18:15

"Yet another reason I stick with my old F150 and dont carry a cell phone (got along all my life without one, no need for one now). I have nothing to hide but enjoy what privacy I can carve out in this day and age."

OnStar is an option on GM cars. Im a Ford man and would never consider a GM product in my garage unless someone gave me a C6 Z06 or Z51. I would most likely sell it anyway.

I new when OnStar was first offered in the 90s it would be a bad idea to have installed.

GPSs devices will not log all the functions OnStar does but may still do ugly things with personal info. At least I can shut down the GPS device with the push of a button and remove it from my vehicle.

LordRuss,
Freedom died 09/11/2001

Jeff

622.9.2011 19:00

Originally posted by Jeffrey_P:
"Yet another reason I stick with my old F150 and dont carry a cell phone (got along all my life without one, no need for one now). I have nothing to hide but enjoy what privacy I can carve out in this day and age."

OnStar is an option on GM cars. Im a Ford man and would never consider a GM product in my garage unless someone gave me a C6 Z06 or Z51. I would most likely sell it anyway.

I new when OnStar was first offered in the 90s it would be a bad idea to have installed.

GPSs devices will not log all the functions OnStar does but may still do ugly things with personal info. At least I can shut down the GPS device with the push of a button and remove it from my vehicle.

LordRuss,
Freedom died 09/11/2001

Jeff
you still have the freedom to rip that piece of shit out of your vehicle.

723.9.2011 11:53

you still have the freedom to rip that piece of shit out of your vehicle.


Well said. If you dont like it, disconnect the module. Used to do all the time during car audio installs. If you dont know how to do this and are bitching about this, its your own fault. Like getting a virus on your pc and you werent protected so now you just whine and cry.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 23 Sep 2011 @ 11:55

823.9.2011 16:24

Originally posted by Jeffrey_P:
LordRuss, Freedom died 09/11/2001... Jeff
It died for me back in 26March1995, 10 days after my son was born. I put my 3rd signature on my paperwork to join the military. Upon doing so (and I hope you fine American reader are paying VERY close attention here) I literally signed away EVERY USA right allotted the American public you may feel you do or do not feel you hold today.

Sure, I may have been out for some time, but there are still some cleaver by-laws in that contract that keep me from saying & doing things (or being called back into action) that would be "in the best interests of the government".

But then I'm not saying anything that hasn't already been said ad nauseum.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 23 Sep 2011 @ 4:24

923.9.2011 21:00
llongtheD
Inactive

Our "government" owns 32% of GM, at least I think that figure is right. Yeah I'm sure GM wouldn't pass on any information personally identifiable to them. Big brother at its worst, and the sad thing is most people won't even bother reading the ToS. Democracy has long since been hijacked by big money special interest groups, and large corporations, now even the illusion of freedom is slipping away.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 23 Sep 2011 @ 9:15

102.10.2011 09:45

Let Onstar spy on me car? No way!! Never had Onstar & never will get it. Besides that I don't buy GM anymore & haven't had a GM vehicle (it was a pickup truck) in 11 years....

1114.12.2011 09:37

newbee

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