Is Your Toyota 4Runner Spying on You? Here's How to Take Control of Your Data

In an age where privacy concerns are at an all-time high, a recent video has sparked a heated debate about the extent of data collection in modern vehicles. The video centers around a Toyota 4Runner owner who discovered that her new car was more akin to a data-collecting smartphone on wheels than just a mode of transportation. After 18 years of driving a Honda Element, she found herself navigating the complexities of digital privacy in her new vehicle.

Before leaving the dealership, she took proactive steps to minimize data collection. By downloading the manufacturer's app and entering her VIN, she was able to decline all connected services features that wirelessly transmit location and vehicle health data to Toyota. Despite these efforts, a visit to VehiclePrivacyReport.com revealed the unsettling extent of the data still being collected.

The Toyota 4Runner collects a range of identifiers, including the owner's name, mailing address, email, demographic information, geolocation, driver's license, and financial details. Shockingly, the car not only tracks this data but also sells it to affiliates like sponsors, partners, advertisers, and even its affiliated insurance company—provided the owner consents, which she had.

The video has prompted a flurry of reactions online. Some users argue that data collection should be an opt-in rather than an opt-out process. Others suggest extreme measures like wrapping the car in a Faraday cage to block data transmission. One user humorously noted the irony of downloading multiple apps to protect one's data, while another lamented the necessity of rebuilding old cars to avoid modern tracking technologies.

A recurring theme in the discussion is the lack of public awareness and the need for more people to complain or take legal action against privacy violations. Comparisons to smartphones highlight that the issue extends beyond vehicles, with some users pointing out features like DNS-over-TLS in Android and iOS devices that can help mitigate tracking.

For those looking to take immediate action, suggestions include pulling the relay or fuse that controls wireless features, even though this might disable other functions like OnStar or 5G hotspots. As one user put it, "At some point, every company on earth will be an advertising company," emphasizing the growing trend of data monetization across industries.

The video serves as a crucial reminder to be vigilant about privacy in today's interconnected world. Whether driving a Toyota 4Runner or any other modern vehicle, taking steps to control data collection can help protect personal information from being exploited.