By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – Concerns have been raised about vehicles equipped with technologies, which could pose other security risks to users of such vehicles.

A cybersecurity and data privacy expert, Uduak Ekott, raised the concerns, noting that such vehicles allow access to information via the internet or wireless connectivity, as well as allowing for a range of functions, including navigation, infotainment, safety enhancements, remote operations, and data sharing which could have adverse consequences.

Ekott, a lawyer working in the Data Privacy and Identity Theft Unit at the Office of the Indiana Attorney General, explained that such vehicles collect vast amounts of sensitive data about drivers and passengers, while also enabling malicious remote access to vehicle controls and called for caution in their uses.

He stated, “Connected vehicles are essentially ‘smartphones on wheels’. They are equipped with technologies that allow access to information via the internet or wireless connectivity. These systems allow for a range of functions, including navigation, infotainment, safety enhancements, remote operations, and data sharing.

“For example, most modern vehicles with infotainment systems use a large display screen to control nearly every aspect of the vehicle, from autopilot to entertainment features. Connected car systems enhance the driving experience that one can enjoy by providing real-time traffic updates, personalized route suggestions, and advanced safety features like collision avoidance, while also offering convenience through remote vehicle monitoring and access to in-car entertainment.

“Its continuous growth is massive as currently 97% of vehicles globally are equipped with smart screens. By 2025, it is projected that there will be over 400 million connected vehicles in operation globally. However, these vehicles collect vast amounts of sensitive data about drivers and passengers, including personal and biometric information, location data, and even details from connected smartphones.

“This extensive data collection raises significant privacy concerns, as compromising these systems could reveal sensitive information such as financial account details, communication records, and location data, while also enabling malicious remote access to vehicle controls.”

He also pointed out that the challenges posed by connected vehicles are particularly prominent in growing economies like Africa and the Global South, where the dominance of foreign technology providers and limited local infrastructure complicate efforts to maintain control over citizens’ data.

On how governments and regulatory bodies are responding to these privacy concerns, he added, “Governments and regulatory bodies are taking notice. For instance, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stated that it will take action against companies that unlawfully collect and use connected car data.

“The FTC has also amended rules to strengthen consumer data protections for non-banking financial institutions like car dealers. The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) has also indicated that it will review the privacy practices of connected vehicles and related technologies. In Africa, several countries have implemented data protection laws.

“Nigeria, for example, has enacted the 2023 Nigeria Data Protection Act, which ensures fair, lawful, and transparent data processing, with a strong focus on data subjects’ rights.

Nonetheless, he revealed, “Countries in the Global South, especially in Africa, face significant challenges due to a lack of locally developed digital technologies. This is compounded by the dominance of foreign companies in the cloud computing market and the storage of data on servers outside the continent.

“These factors can make it difficult for these nations to maintain control over their citizens’ data and ensure digital sovereignty.

Meanwhile, he advised that individuals familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s connectivity features and review the privacy policy, saying it is essential to manage privacy settings to limit data collection, use strong authentication methods, and keep software updated for the latest security patches.

Additionally, he said that people should be cautious with third-party apps and permissions given to such apps, as these tips can further reduce privacy risks while still allowing consumers to enjoy the benefits of connected vehicle technology.