Remember a couple days ago, when we told you about OnStar’s new policy to track and collect data from drivers, even if they had cancelled their subscription to the in-car navigation device? Turns out people weren’t exactly OnBoard with the plan, and the company announced that it’s not going through with the changes. In an era of big companies being slow to react to missteps, this sounds like move in the right direction. Perhaps Netflix/Qwikster CEO, Reed Hastings should have his next missive edited by OnStar’s president, Linda Marshall.
“Marshall says that if OnStar decides to pursue post-cancellation data collection in the future, it would be opt-in only, and even then, OnStar says it would work with customers to determine how the data was used. Marshall lists two ways the data might benefit former customers, including providing updates about natural disasters or recalls that impact their vehicles (though she doesn’t mention any of the less desirable things OnStar might use the data for, including monitoring driving behavior or general location-based activity).”
OnStar was already hearing from various US Senators on this issue as well. Just Democrats, curiously.
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