In a bold move, the state of Texas has filed a lawsuit against General Motors, accusing the automotive giant of infringing on drivers’ privacy. The lawsuit claims that GM installed technology in over 14 million vehicles to collect driver data, which was subsequently sold to insurers and other third parties without the drivers’ consent.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the lawsuit, revealing that it stems from an ongoing investigation into whether several automakers have been gathering and selling extensive driver data without informing them. According to Paxton, GM used this data to generate “Driving Scores,” which evaluated driving habits like speeding, abrupt braking, and late-night driving.
These driving scores were allegedly used by insurance companies to make decisions about raising premiums, canceling policies, or denying coverage. The technology in question is said to have been installed in most GM vehicles starting from the 2015 model year.
Paxton criticized GM’s practices, stating that the company’s tactics misled consumers into thinking that enrolling in OnStar diagnostic products—which collected the data—was mandatory. He described the use of such invasive technology as a violation of Texans’ privacy and vowed to hold GM accountable for these alleged breaches.
In response, GM stated it is reviewing the complaint and remains committed to protecting consumer privacy. The lawsuit, filed in a state court in Montgomery County near Houston, seeks the destruction of the improperly collected data, compensation for affected drivers, civil fines, and other remedies under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
