When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced in May 2018, it was a step-change that overhauled the way in which businesses process and handle personal data. It also raised public awareness of the importance of privacy and the need to protect personal data.
This issue has only grown more significant with the accelerating pace of connected-technology deployment in vehicles, encompassing everything from connected applications, telematics and black-box insurance to mobile phone use.
In-vehicle data collection and processing has increased in terms of content type and volume, and now encompasses a vast array of personal information including phone numbers, address books, emails, location history, browsing history, preferences and driving habits. Collection and processing take place in a complex ecosystem, including not just the vehicle but also the phones, networks and, ultimately, the infrastructure it connects to.
Industry sources estimate...