The key facts

  • Ford announced a 'privacy promise' and launched a website explaining what data is collected and how to disable transmission
  • Disabling connected services removes features like real-time navigation and roadside assistance
  • Context: GM agreed to a $220 million settlement with the FTC and 36 states, while Slate Auto promotes a modem-free pickup

The Commitment and the New Website

On Monday, Ford introduced what the company calls 'privacy promise' — a 'clear commitment' to protect customer data of vehicles and give them control over what they share. Concurrently, a website was launched explaining what data the automaker collects, how and why it uses it, and how to change settings. The settings themselves have existed for several years, but Ford aims to communicate them more clearly to buyers — especially ahead of launching more connected vehicles on its future 'universal electric platform'. This is reported by TechCrunch, citing an interview with Ford's Chief Privacy Officer, Christine Jones.

Industry Context: GM and Slate

Ford's focus on privacy coincided with growing scrutiny of automakers' practices. According to TechCrunch, surveys show that Americans want features enabled by connectivity — such as remote start, navigation, and driver assistants — but only 14% fully understand what data their vehicle collects. Against this backdrop, General Motors found itself in trouble with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and agreed to a $220 million settlement with 36 states last week. Another player, the startup Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, is proactively promoting its minimalist pickup as a modem-free vehiclethat restores privacy behind the wheel.

What Ford Promises and What Changes for Owners

Jones stated that in a survey of 1,000 consumers, 91% cited data privacy as an important factor in their purchasing decision. She emphasized: 'We do not share information about how our customers drive with data brokers,' and added that Ford 'is not trying to monetize data,' but rather aims to offer products that benefit customers. However, opting out of sharing certain data will limit functionality: disabling connected services will remove real-time navigation and built-in access to roadside assistance. According to Jones, vehicle status data provides owners with information about necessary maintenance and 'supports research and development of future technologies.' The campaign's goal is to justify why Ford requests data and to demonstrate that it will not be used for targeted advertising.