Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
surveillance

Friday Video: You Should Care That Your Car Is Spying On You

Yes, every device we own is probably harvesting our data. But the car might be the worst offender.

If you own a car, there's a good chance it's recording data about you every single time you get behind the wheel — and selling it to companies for automakers' profit. But what information, exactly, are they harvesting about U.S. motorists, and how could it amplify the already-devastating financial burdens of car ownership for families with no choice but to drive?

Check out this explainer from Half As Interesting, which explores one of the less talked-about dangers of car dependency: Hidden technology that transforms vehicles into tools of mass surveillance, with almost no choice to opt out. And if you really want a deep dive into how this tech is driving up insurance rates, helping train AI, and even spying on your sex life, check out our deep dives into the intersection between car dependency and privacy.

And remember — your bike would never do this to you.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Amtrak Is Way More Successful Than You Think

Why do so many people still treat Amtrak as a failure — and what would it take to deliver the rail investment that American riders deserve?

October 24, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Are Hanging Out Down the Street

The same old thing we did last week — until the neighbor wrote a letter to the editor.

October 24, 2025

Report: Lessons from California’s HSR Project

A new paper from the Mineta Institute looks at California's high-speed rail project—and how to do better moving forward.

October 23, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Life After Cars

Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of The War on Cars podcast on their new book, opposing views, Turtle Jesus and potential off-ramps towards car-free cities.

October 23, 2025

Traffic Congestion Is a Housing and Transit Problem, Not a Highway Problem

To truly solve tangled traffic in California (and across the U.S.), we need to take the problem out of the hands of the road builders and address the root causes of congestion: building more affordable housing near jobs and improving public transportation options.

October 23, 2025

Truckers Back NYC Busway Plan That Trump Blocked

The federal government has obviously lost its trucking mind.

October 23, 2025
See all posts