Ford Unveils Privacy Promise to Safeguard Customer Vehicle Data

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Ford has introduced a 'privacy promise' to assure customers that their vehicle data is securely handled and to clarify how it collects and uses this information, ahead of launching new connected electric vehicles.

As connected vehicles become more prevalent, Ford is taking a proactive stance on consumer data privacy by launching a "privacy promise," an explicit commitment ensuring that customers’ vehicle data is protected and that they maintain control over what information is shared. The company also introduced a dedicated website to educate customers on the types of data collected, the purposes behind that collection, and how to manage their settings.\n\nFord’s Chief Privacy Officer, Kristin Jones, emphasized the importance of transparency by explaining that this initiative aims not only to clarify the automaker’s data practices but also to foster trust with their customers. Jones noted that while many benefits come with connected car features — such as remote start, real-time navigation, and driver assistance — a significant portion of consumers are unaware of what data is gathered from their vehicles.\n\nThis lack of consumer understanding has previously led to controversies in the auto industry, including legal actions against companies accused of selling vehicle data to third parties without sufficient disclosure. Ford’s privacy promise includes assurances that the company does not engage in selling driving data to data brokers and does not use collected data for targeted advertising. Instead, data helps improve vehicle maintenance alerts and supports research and development of future technologies.\n\nCustomers will have the option to opt out of data sharing, which may disable certain connected features. Ford aims to clearly explain these trade-offs so customers can make informed decisions. Jones conveyed that 91% of surveyed consumers consider data privacy crucial, highlighting the importance of building a trustworthy relationship.\n\nThis initiative reflects Ford’s ongoing journey to enhance privacy communications as it prepares to launch vehicles on its upcoming universal electric vehicle platform. Through better education and transparent controls, Ford hopes to set a standard for responsible data stewardship in the evolving landscape of connected cars.