In the American imagination, car keys and a driver’s license have long represented freedom, autonomy and privacy.
But modern cars, which have hundreds of sensors, cameras and internet connectivity, are now potential spying machines acting in ways drivers do not completely understand.
The senators, both Democrats, say this sharing can “seriously threaten Americans’ privacy” by revealing their visits to protests, health clinics, places of worship, support groups or other sensitive places.
“As far-right politicians escalate their war on women, I’m especially concerned about cars revealing people who cross state lines to obtain an abortion,” Senator Wyden said in a statement.
Government attention to the car industry is intensifying, experts say, because of the increased technological sophistication of modern cars.
Persons:
Ron Wyden, Edward J, Markey, Lina Khan, Wyden
Organizations:
Oregon, Massachusetts, Federal Trade Commission