Subaru Starlink: Difference between revisions
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== Data Collection == | == Data Collection == | ||
=== Types of Data Collected === | === Types of Data Collected === | ||
Subaru’s privacy policy and STARLINK terms of service specify that the following data may be collected:<ref name="SubaruPrivacy"> | Subaru’s privacy policy and STARLINK terms of service specify that the following data may be collected:<ref name="SubaruPrivacy">[https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies.html Subaru Privacy Policy], Subaru, retrived 2025-01-16</ref> | ||
* '''Personal Information''' | * '''Personal Information''' | ||
| Line 35: | Line 35: | ||
=== Collection Methods === | === Collection Methods === | ||
Data collection is performed through: | Data collection is performed through: | ||
* Vehicle sensors and diagnostic modules.<ref name="MozillaReview"> | * Vehicle sensors and diagnostic modules.<ref name="MozillaReview">[https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/subaru/ "Mozilla Foundation Privacy Review: Subaru"],Mozilla Foundation, retrieved 2025-01-16</ref> | ||
* GPS tracking systems. | * GPS tracking systems. | ||
* Cellular connectivity modules. | * Cellular connectivity modules. | ||
| Line 43: | Line 43: | ||
=== Third Party Data Sharing === | === Third Party Data Sharing === | ||
Subaru shares data with several entities, including: | Subaru shares data with several entities, including: | ||
* Data brokers, such as LexisNexis<ref>[https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies/vehicle-privacy-notice.html https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies/vehicle-privacy-notice.html]</ref> & Verisk.<ref name="TorqueNews"> | * Data brokers, such as LexisNexis<ref>[https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies/vehicle-privacy-notice.html https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies/vehicle-privacy-notice.html]</ref> & Verisk.<ref name="TorqueNews">[https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-now-involved-vehicle-data-collection-lawsuit-investigation "Vehicle Data Collection Lawsuit", Torque News, 2024-05-21,retrieved 2025-01-16</ref><ref name="NYT">[https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html "Automakers Are Sharing Drivers’ Data", New York Times, 2024-03-11, retrieved 2025-01-16</ref> | ||
* Insurance companies for risk assessment and pricing.<ref name="TorqueNews" /> | * Insurance companies for risk assessment and pricing.<ref name="TorqueNews" /> | ||
* Marketing firms. | * Marketing firms. | ||
| Line 55: | Line 55: | ||
* Hike insurance premiums based on driving patterns. | * Hike insurance premiums based on driving patterns. | ||
* Monitor driving behaviors to assess risk. | * Monitor driving behaviors to assess risk. | ||
* Use driving data for personalized coverage offerings.<ref name=" | * Use driving data for personalized coverage offerings.<ref name="NYT2">[https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html "Automakers Are Sharing Drivers’ Data"], New York Times, 2024-03-11,retrived 2025-01-16</ref> | ||
== Privacy Concerns == | == Privacy Concerns == | ||
| Line 68: | Line 68: | ||
* Submitting detailed personal information. | * Submitting detailed personal information. | ||
* Potentially long response times. | * Potentially long response times. | ||
* No verification mechanism for successful opt-out.<ref name="ConsumerForum"> | * No verification mechanism for successful opt-out.<ref name="ConsumerForum">[https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/privacy-not-included-subaru-report-connected-services-etc.556583/ "Privacy Report Discussion"],Subaru Outback Forums, 2025-01-16</ref> | ||
=== Legal Challenges === | === Legal Challenges === | ||
| Line 81: | Line 81: | ||
* Embedded telematics devices. | * Embedded telematics devices. | ||
* 4G LTE cellular networks. | * 4G LTE cellular networks. | ||
* GPS receivers & cloud-based data processing systems.<ref name="StarlinkTerms"> | * GPS receivers & cloud-based data processing systems.<ref name="StarlinkTerms">[https://www.subaru.com/support/terms-and-conditions/subaru-starlink/subaru-starlink-services.html "Subaru STARLINK Terms and Conditions"], Subaru, retrived 2025-01-16</ref> | ||
=== Data Transmission === | === Data Transmission === | ||
Revision as of 12:14, 21 January 2025
Starlink
| Basic Information | |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Product Type | Software |
| In Production | Yes |
| Official Website | https://subaru.com/ |
Overview
Starlink is a connectivity service equipped on most modern Subaru vehicles, enabling extensive data collection from the vehicle and its occupants. The service has faced significant criticism and legal challenges over privacy concerns related to its data collection and sharing practices.[1]
Data Collection
Types of Data Collected
Subaru’s privacy policy and STARLINK terms of service specify that the following data may be collected:[2]
- Personal Information
- Names, addresses, and contact details.
- Phone numbers and email addresses.
- Social Security numbers (in specific cases).
- Driver's license numbers.
- Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).
- Vehicle Data
- Location and GPS coordinates.
- Speed, acceleration, & braking patterns.
- Time & duration of trips.
- Maintenance & diagnostic information.
- Sensor data, such as crash severity, tire pressure & coolant temperature.
- Audio/Biometric Data
- Audio recordings via onboard microphones.
- Voice data from STARLINK service center calls.
- Biometric data from driver attention monitoring systems.
- Search content and commands issued by occupants.
Collection Methods
Data collection is performed through:
- Vehicle sensors and diagnostic modules.[1]
- GPS tracking systems.
- Cellular connectivity modules.
- STARLINK mobile apps & web portals.[1]
Data Sharing and Sales
Third Party Data Sharing
Subaru shares data with several entities, including:
- Data brokers, such as LexisNexis[3] & Verisk.[4][5]
- Insurance companies for risk assessment and pricing.[4]
- Marketing firms.
- Emergency services and law enforcement (when required by law).
- Subaru dealerships and distributors.
- Third-party service providers.[2]
Insurance Industry Usage
Data brokers aggregate and sell this information to insurance companies, who may:
- Hike insurance premiums based on driving patterns.
- Monitor driving behaviors to assess risk.
- Use driving data for personalized coverage offerings.[6]
Privacy Concerns
Consent Issues
Key concerns include:
- Simply being a passenger in a STARLINK-equipped vehicle constitutes consent.[1]
- Lack of active notification during data collection.
- Limited opt-out options that might impact vehicle functionality.
Opt-Out Difficulties
Subaru’s opt-out process involves:
- Submitting detailed personal information.
- Potentially long response times.
- No verification mechanism for successful opt-out.[7]
Legal Challenges
Subaru faces legal scrutiny for:
- Allegations of insufficiently dislcosing their data collection policies & what is being done with the data.
- Potential non-compliance with privacy laws.
- Class-action lawsuit investigations over consent practices.[4]
Technical Details
System Architecture
STARLINK is built upon:
- Embedded telematics devices.
- 4G LTE cellular networks.
- GPS receivers & cloud-based data processing systems.[8]
Data Transmission
- Real-time data transmission via LTE networks.
- Local storage when connectivity is unavailable.[8]
Consumer Protection Issues
Privacy Rights
Critics cite:
- Minimal control over data retention.
- Broad sharing permissions in privacy policies.
- Limited transparency about how data is used.[1]
Economic Harm
- Insurance rate adjustments based on driving data.
- Subscription fees for connected services.
- Potential effects on vehicle resale value.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Mozilla Foundation Privacy Review: Subaru",Mozilla Foundation, retrieved 2025-01-16
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Subaru Privacy Policy, Subaru, retrived 2025-01-16
- ↑ https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies/vehicle-privacy-notice.html
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 [https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-now-involved-vehicle-data-collection-lawsuit-investigation "Vehicle Data Collection Lawsuit", Torque News, 2024-05-21,retrieved 2025-01-16
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 [https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html "Automakers Are Sharing Drivers’ Data", New York Times, 2024-03-11, retrieved 2025-01-16
- ↑ "Automakers Are Sharing Drivers’ Data", New York Times, 2024-03-11,retrived 2025-01-16
- ↑ "Privacy Report Discussion",Subaru Outback Forums, 2025-01-16
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Subaru STARLINK Terms and Conditions", Subaru, retrived 2025-01-16