Senator says OnStar invades privacy
ALBANY, N.Y. - September 25, 2011
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York says that's a blatant
invasion of privacy and is calling on the Federal Trade Commission
to investigate. But OnStar says former customers can stop the
two-way transmission, and no driving data of customers has been
shared or sold.
"OnStar is attempting one of the most brazen invasions of
privacy in recent memory," said Schumer, a Democrat. "I urge
OnStar to abandon.
But the General Motors Corp. OnStar service says customers are
thoroughly informed of the new practice. If a customer says he or
she doesn't want to have data collected after service is ended,
OnStar disconnects the tracking.
And although OnStar reserves the right to share or sell data on
customers' speed, location, use of seat belts and other practices,
a spokesman says it hasn't done so and doesn't plan to.
"We apologize for creating any confusion about our terms and
conditions," said Joanne Finnor, vice president of subscriber
services. "We want to make sure we are as clear with our customers
as possible, but it's apparent that we have failed to do this.
We will continue to be open to their suggestions and concerns."
A week ago, OnStar changed its policy and began continuing the
connection for ex-customers unless they asked for it to be
discontinued.
Finnor noted keeping the two-way communication active for former
customers could someday allow for emergency messages to be sent
even to ex-customers about severe weather or evacuations. The open
line could also allow OnStar to alert drivers about warranty
information or recalls, she said.
Schumer said he isn't persuaded. He said customers shouldn't
have to "opt out" of the tracking after they end service. He
accuses OnStar of actively deceiving customers.
Schumer is announcing the effort Sunday by releasing a letter to
the Federal Trade Commission seeking an investigation.
OnStar charges about $199 a year for basic service and $299 a
year for service that includes navigation aid.