As Wireless Technology Becomes Standard, Markey Queries Car Companies about Security, Privacy

Statement

As car companies incorporate more navigation and other technologies that could potentially collect increasing amounts of information from and about consumers [delete] into cars, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today sent letters to 20 major automobile manufacturers requesting information about how consumers are protected from cyberattack or unwarranted violations of privacy. One recent study demonstrated how commands could be sent through a car's computer system that could cause it to suddenly accelerate, turn or kill the breaks. Additionally, new services could enable the collection of large amounts of driver data, including geolocation. It is possible that this data could be used for commercial or law enforcement purposes without consumers' knowledge or consent.

"As vehicles become more integrated with wireless technology, there are more avenues through which a hacker could introduce malicious code, and more avenues through which a driver's basic right to privacy could be compromised," writes Senator Markey, a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, in the letter to the car companies. "These threats demonstrate the need for robust vehicle security policies to ensure the safety and privacy of our nation's drivers.

"Airbags and seat belts protect the safety of drivers, but we also need car companies to ensure the security and privacy of those in automobiles in this new wireless age," said Senator Markey.

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