Privacy within in‐car systems

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to call for integrated regulation for in‐car systems to ensure privacy and prevent citizens from having to choose between accepting the loss of privacy or losing out on services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper highlights the ways in which in‐car communications systems can contribute to the web of surveillance that is beginning to pervade society. More and more frequently, intelligent transportation systems compute location data, in‐car services for drivers and passengers are becoming more popular and in‐car systems are incorporating other control features that may threaten privacy. In particular this study describes the existing regulations regarding location, and the advisability of allowing access to electronic health records in emergencies.

Findings

The study presents different threats to privacy within telematics and raises concerns about the financial value of the aggregated information. It recommends that not only the user's location information but also the user's health records be transferred to emergency services.

Originality/value

These new views on telematics data processing should be considered by stakeholders and policy makers to ensure security and services to the citizens.

Citation

Rodríguez Casal, C. (2005), "Privacy within in‐car systems", info, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 66-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690510578289