If something is free, then you are the product. Does this apply behind the wheel as well? This is what your privacy is like in Android Auto.
Privacy in Android Auto
In 2018, it was big news when Toyota refused to work with Android Auto due to privacy concerns. The car manufacturer had its doubts about Google’s platform for behind the wheel. People wanted to conduct more research into how the search engine manufacturer handled driver data, the website reported 1Engine at the time.
It was not the first time that Android Auto was discredited. A few years earlier, a car magazine (via The Guardian) reported that car manufacturer Porsche also refused to collaborate with Google due to privacy concerns. According to the magazine, Android Auto collected too much data that could be traced back to drivers. It was claimed that the competing system Apple CarPlay would have its affairs in order much better.
These storms have now subsided. Nowadays, both Toyota and Porsche support Android Auto, provided you drive a (relatively) recent model. However, is there any truth in the above claims? What data does Android Auto collect, and can you do something about it?
What data does Android Auto use?
To get straight to the point: yes, Android Auto collects user data. Hard evidence has never been provided for the claims of Toyota and Porsche. However, Android Auto is free, and that means that you do pay for data.
That’s how it is. Android Auto is a product of Google and therefore falls under the overall privacy policy of this company. This policy explains what kind of data is collected and why.
The Android Auto settings menu also explains which data is recorded. You can find this by opening the Android Auto app on your phone and clicking ‘Legal, data & safety info’. Then choose ‘Data notification’. This lists exactly which (vehicle) data is registered.
For example, Android Auto checks whether the car is on the handbrake. If this is not the case, it will be checked how fast the car is going and in which gear you have pressed the gear knob.
This information is necessary to provide Android Auto in a secure manner. For example, while on the road you can respond to messages only by dictating replies, while you can type while stationary on the virtual keyboard.
Furthermore, Android Auto uses the car’s GPS system. According to Google, this is more accurate than the location sensor of a smartphone. Signposts such as Google Maps and Waze need your exact location to provide valid navigation advice and to respond to the current traffic situation.
Is it dark outside?
Speaking of navigation apps: you have probably noticed that many map services switch to night mode as soon as it gets dark. This choice is partly based on whether the car lights are on or not.
Google may also gain access to other vehicle data, depending on personal settings. This includes the car make, specific model, the speedometer, and whether the passenger seat is occupied.
Furthermore, it is good to know that Android Auto is a platform: it relies, just like the general Android operating system, on other apps. For example, you can choose from multiple navigation, audio, and communication apps. Data is collected depending on which apps you use.
For example, Android Auto works closely with the Google Assistant. This includes keeping a logbook containing the conversation history. Depending on personal settings, the voice assistant also has access to websites, contacts, and calendar you visit.
Improve privacy on Android Auto
By using Android Auto, you agree to Google’s privacy policy. It is possible to exert some influence on the data behavior of the platform.
For example, in the settings menu of the Android Auto app, you can disable the Google Assistant completely. As a result, the voice assistant no longer listens to the “Hey Google” wake-up signal.
You can also change the permissions of Android Auto. You do this by looking for the program in the app list of your phone. You can then indicate under the heading ‘Rights’ whether Android Auto has access to your contact list, location, and microphone. This means that the car platform works differently than you are used to.
Privacy behind the wheel
Android Auto does therefore have an influence on your privacy. It was proven in a study by Mozilla. The company behind the browser of the same name reported last year that car manufacturers have little interest in the privacy of drivers. They examined 25 well-known brands – including Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, and Tesla – and concluded that more than 80 percent of the parties share or even sell personal information of drivers. Mozilla regularly conducts privacy surveys and concludes that the car product group takes the last prize in terms of privacy protection.