Ford Vows To Protect Customer Data

Ford has launched a 'privacy promise' to keep customers' vehicle data safe and give them control over what they share, ahead of the launch of its new connected cars. The company has also launched a website to educate customers about how it uses their data, and to show them how to change those settings.

The move comes as the automotive industry faces increasing scrutiny over data collection and sharing practices. A recent survey found that only 14% of U.S. customers said they fully understand what data their vehicle collects, leaving room for companies to quietly sell data to third parties. General Motors recently got in trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and had to pay a $220 million settlement with 36 states.

Ford's chief privacy officer, Kristin Jones, emphasized the importance of transparency and customer control over data sharing. The company's new website is designed to educate customers about how, where, and why Ford uses their data, and to provide them with the tools to change their settings.

## Why it matters The launch of Ford's 'privacy promise' is significant, as 91% of 1,000 surveyed consumers said that data privacy was a key consideration for them. As the automotive industry becomes increasingly connected, companies must prioritize transparency and customer control over data sharing to build trust with their customers. Ford's move is a step in the right direction, and it will be important to see how other companies in the industry respond to growing concerns over data privacy.

Ford is preparing to launch a new generation of connected cars, including ones built on its upcoming 'universal electric vehicle' platform. The company's commitment to protecting customer data will be crucial as it rolls out these new vehicles, and it will be important to see how customers respond to the company's 'privacy promise'