The company’s new "privacy promise" functions as an explicit commitment to keep vehicle data secure while offering owners granular control over their settings. Kristin Jones, Ford’s chief privacy officer, emphasized that the initiative aims to move beyond legal compliance to foster a transparent relationship with drivers. The effort arrives as the automotive industry faces heightened scrutiny over data practices; General Motors recently reached a $220 million settlement with 36 states following allegations of improper data sharing with third parties.
In section Startups & Technology
Ford pledges data transparency as connected vehicle demand grows
With only 14% of U.S. drivers claiming they understand how their vehicles collect information, Ford is launching a formal privacy initiative. The automaker seeks to clarify its data practices before rolling out its next generation of connected electric vehicles, aiming to rebuild consumer trust through a dedicated educational portal.
Ford’s new website outlines specific data collection categories and explains the trade-offs involved in digital connectivity. While drivers can opt out of certain data streams, Jones noted that disabling connected services will render features like real-time navigation and roadside assistance non-functional. Crucially, the company maintains that it does not sell driving behavior data to brokers or engage in targeted advertising. Instead, Ford intends to use collected information for vehicle health monitoring and the research and development of future automotive technologies.
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