Competition, Security, and Transparency: Data in Connected Vehicles

Abstract

AbstractState-of-the-art cars are increasingly becoming computers on wheels, constantly collecting, storing, and transmitting data. This goes hand in hand with better market opportunities for certain service providers with access to the data.There is still no clear legal regulation on who the customer can share their data with—and in what way—nor how transparency and security can be guaranteed for such data in the process. Without legal regulation of data access, there will be no way to ensure a level playing field among providers and freedom of choice for consumers in the future.Three basic principles apply to the access to vehicle data: Third-party service providers should be able to develop new services without depending on car manufacturers. Independent service providers, such as independent workshops, insurers, and automobile clubs, should be able to reach customers through the same channels as the vehicle manufacturers. Vehicle manufacturers should not be allowed to monitor vehicle users or the service providers selected by vehicle owners.