A few recent Ford Motor Co. patents have raised concerns on social media around privacy and control of property as debate about a government “kill switch” and regulation meant to combat drunken driving get focus this election season.
The patents that creators on social media have highlighted deal with technology that records biometrics information, for sharing vehicle data for usage-based insurance purposes and using vehicle data to influence in-vehicle advertisements. The Dearborn automaker, however, clarifies that just because technology is patented, doesn’t mean it’ll appear on products it sells, that customers have to opt into connectivity data sharing, that the company no longer shares information with insurers and that some patents are for particular uses like law enforcement vehicles.
“No matter what a patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services,” spokesperson Rebecca Grapsy said in a statement. “Our patent filings are not indicative of planning or production intent. In some cases, patents are filed so that Ford can assert readiness ahead of possible new regulation. In other cases, a company may simply be experimenting with what’s possible. “
The conversation highlights the balance automakers face in leveraging technologies to offer features like voice commands, automated driving and personalized experiences while respecting consumers’ desires for privacy protections and new legal requirements. Add on top of that, there’s debate in Washington, D.C., about whether to finalize rules for technology that seeks to reduce the more than 10,000 annual U.S. traffic deaths from drunken driving crashes.
Internet videos and messages from politicians decrying a government “kill switch” have raised concerns of delaying the implementation of such regulations or even move public opinion against vehicle safety technology.