Louis Rossmann

Automakers Are Sharing Consumers’ Driving Behavior With Insurance Companies [Kashmir Hill | Mar 11 2024 | NYTimes]

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20240311090514/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html

Short Summary

1. The video discusses the concept of ownership in relation to modern technology and products, focusing on companies making it difficult for consumers to repair or control their belongings.
2. It questions whether individuals truly own items like cameras, baby monitors, computers, and even cars when companies collect and sell data without explicit consent.
3. An example is highlighted where a man's car insurance rates increased due to data collected by his car's manufacturer, General Motors, and sold to insurance companies.
4. The video emphasizes the violation of consent and privacy in such practices, likening them to a form of digital violation.
5. It mentions the practice of "ruffian end-user license agreements" where companies use deceptive tactics to obtain consent for data collection.
6. The issue of usage-based insurance and the importance of explicit consent in data collection practices are discussed.
7. Criticism is raised regarding the accuracy and safety of AI systems used to assess driving behavior, particularly highlighting issues with hard braking detection in Tesla vehicles.
8. The speaker discusses the primary feature of a car being fast acceleration, emphasizing responsible use on a racetrack rather than public roads.
9. Companies are criticized for engaging in anti-consumer practices such as lack of transparency in data sharing and not sharing profits made from selling customer data.
10. The speaker stresses the need for consumer solidarity to protect their rights and prevent exploitation by corporations.