Your car’s GPS could be invading your privacy

WASHINGTON — People concerned about their smartphone intruding on their privacy may have something else about which to worry: the car.

Smartphones can track you and your personal information – data that could be sold and mined for tidbits about what you bought and where.

Now Bloomberg Businessweek points out that consumers may not be aware of the privacy risks of their car’s software.

Cars equipped with GPS collect location data for turn directions.

The Government Accountability Office reports that nine companies, including car manufacturers, navigation device makers and map and navigation app developers, say they share location data with third-party companies. The companies say they are taking steps to protect privacy.

But some in Congress say it’s time to take a hard look at smart cars.

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., says privacy laws haven’t kept pace with the enormous technological advances of the 21st century.

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