Blumenthal, Markey Continue Investigation of Automotive Cybersecurity and Privacy Practices

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass) today sent new, expanded queries to 18 automakers asking for an update to the information on each company’s protections against the threat of cyberattacks or unwarranted invasions of privacy related to the integration of electronic systems into and within automobiles.

“As vehicles become increasingly connected to the Internet and to one another through advanced features and services, we continue to see how these technologies present vulnerabilities that can compromise the safety and privacy of drivers and passengers,” write Senators Blumenthal and Markey, members of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “We have specifically learned how third parties can access the electronic controls and data of vehicles from many different entry points, including wireless connections, and we appreciate that many automotive companies have begun to take concrete steps to close these security gaps.”   

A sample copy of the Senators’ letter can be found HERE.

Senators Blumenthal and Markey sent letters to Aston Martin, BMW North America, Fiat Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, American Honda Motor Co., Hyundai Motors North America, Jaguar Land Rover North America, Lamborghini, Mazda North America, Mercedes Benz USA, Mitsubishi, Nissan North America, Porsche, Subaru Motors America, Tesla, Toyota North America, Volkswagen Group of America (with Audi), and Volvo.

In July, Senators Blumenthal and Markey introduced the Security and Privacy in Your Car (SPY Car) Act, legislation that would direct the NHTSA and the Federal Trade Commission to establish federal standards to secure our cars and protect drivers’ privacy. The SPY Car Act also establishes a rating system — or “cyber dashboard”— that informs consumers about how well the vehicle protects drivers’ security and privacy beyond those minimum standards.

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