Disabling data collection in a connected car: Is it possible

What bothered me most is that it logged "all my trips" and I wasn't too comfortable with that kind of data being continuously logged.

BHPian tracerspiff recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello everyone, I searched the forum on this particular topic but could not find a thread where this issue was discussed in depth.

Here is my problem. I have a Tata Harrier XZA+ bought on June 22 and it had the connected car feature which I could access through the IRA app. I found the app a little gimmicky and did not add much value. What bothered me most is that it logged "all my trips" and I wasn't too comfortable with that kind of data being continuously logged.

Now at the end of 1 year, I got a message saying I need to renew the subscription. Since I was not using the app, I let it lapse.

I want to know if the data is still being collected and sitting in some Tata server? Is there any way of permanently disabling the data logger in the car? Has anybody done this?

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

I don't think there's any way that a manufacturer is going to pay for a wireless data connection to Airtel / Jio / Vodafone, if the car owner doesn't renew his subscription.

That being said, I doubt you can do anything about data stored locally in the car. OEMs and / or their workshops could always have access to that. How much data is stored and where will vary by brand.

IMHO, "privacy" is a myth in today's connected times. Starting with your smartphone, social media, online browsing etc. If you are sensitive about privacy, follow the best practices, stick to the best brands (e.g. Apple in phones) and avoid dealing with shady companies.

Here's what BHPian PaddleShifter had to say on the matter:

• We use navigation: cars have GPS.
• We use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto: data gets generated.
• Cars have CPU: speed, acceleration, driving duration, Kms covered are collected. This can not be disabled in any manner.

For point 1: This is achieveable as long as the GPS can be disabled or removed. Depends upon how its designed.

For point 2: Car manufacturers are now developing cars that will integrate with CarPlay in manners that we can not escape data collection/generation. Till now, the data generated stayed with Apple/Google and not the car manufacturer.

For point 3: Nothing can be done.

Oh! As long as we are using smart devices and internet around us, worrying about connected cars is irrelevant.

Here's what BHPian ferrarirules had to say on the matter:

Though what GTO has said is absolutely right. The data is collected with the help of a data connection from SIM card provider. TATA won't pay for the data connection if you don't renew your subscription. Hence data won't reach the server.

If you are still paranoid about local logging in the car, there is a telematics unit under the front passenger seat of the car (That is where it is in Nexon), you can unplug it.

Here's what BHPian Kkumar had to say on the matter:

Hi, I own a Safari XZA+ Dark Edition, if you go through the car manual, in the iRA section it’s mentioned that the data will be used by Tata Motors to support their claim in case of any legal issues. So what I understand from that is irrespective of we renewing the subscription or not, Tata Motors will collect data, at least till the end of expiry of warranty period. It’s just that if we renew the subscription we will also get to use the features.

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