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Automaker Data Under Fire as Toyota Faces U.S. Lawsuit and VW Expands Collection Across Europe

The EU Data Act shifts attention to driver control over data recorded by connected cars.

Overview

  • A Florida Toyota owner sued after learning telematics from his 2021 RAV4 allegedly reached his insurer and increased his premium.
  • Toyota points to accepted user terms that it says permit continuous and regular data collection from connected vehicles.
  • Volkswagen began extending its program from Germany to 40 European countries this month, initially with the VW brand and later other group marques.
  • VW says uploads are event‑triggered, such as emergency‑brake interventions, and require customer consent that can be revoked at any time.
  • Europe’s Data Act now requires automakers to disclose what they collect and to provide owners with access, deletion and data‑transfer rights, as debate continues over transparency and potential misuse.