Texas Sues General Motors Over Data Collection Without Consent

Texas has filed a lawsuit against General Motors, accusing the auto giant of secretly collecting and selling driver data without consent. The data, gathered from over 14 million vehicles, was allegedly used to create driving scores affecting insurance policies. Texas seeks compensation, data destruction, and civil fines.

General Motors faces a lawsuit from the state of Texas, accused of covertly collecting data from over 14 million vehicles and selling it without drivers' consent. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced this legal action, stemming from a June investigation into whether automakers violated drivers' privacy.

The data was used to generate 'Driving Scores' that assessed the behavior of 1.8 million Texas drivers, rating habits like speeding, harsh braking, and night driving. Insurers potentially utilized this data to adjust premiums, cancel policies, or deny coverage. The data collection primarily affected GM vehicles from the 2015 model year onward through OnStar diagnostics, which unwitting consumers were led to believe was mandatory.

'Companies are using invasive technology to violate the rights of our citizens in unthinkable ways,' said Paxton. He accused GM of conducting 'egregious business practices' that breached Texans' privacy. GM responded that they are in discussions with Paxton's office and committed to protecting consumers' privacy. Texas is seeking data destruction, driver compensation, civil fines, and other remedies under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)