General Motors is accused of collecting data on drivers’ “bad” habits and selling it to insurers.
the state of Texas is suing the car company over the allegations, alleging that it installed technology in more than 14 million vehicles to collect data on drivers.
The lawsuit alleges that GM – which makes brands such as Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick – sold the data to insurers and other companies without drivers’ consent.
The data was allegedly used to create “driving scores” to determine whether more than 1.8 million Texas drivers had “bad” habits, such as driving or braking too quickly, turning too sharply, not wearing a seat belt, and driving late at night.
The data collection technology, collected by the company’s OnStar diagnostic system, was reportedly installed in most GM vehicles starting with the 2015 model year.
It is unclear whether the data was used to increase insurance premiums.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the information emerged during an investigation into whether several automakers collected and sold massive amounts of data without drivers’ knowledge.
“Companies are using invasive technology to violate the rights of our citizens in unthinkable ways,” he said in a statement.
“Our investigation revealed that General Motors has engaged in egregious business practices that violated the privacy of Texans and violated the law. We will hold them accountable.”
The lawsuit now seeks destruction of improperly collected data, compensation for drivers, a civil fine and other remedies.
GM did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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