VW exposed the details of 800,000 EV owners to the world for a year

[@electricviking]

Click here to get a free charger and installation when pre-ordering the G6 xpeng.com.au/?qr=726XPO The best solar company in Australia just installed my new solar system. Check them out here: www.resinc.com.au/electricviking

[@ProctorsGamble]

Has your wife been screened for possible treatment with Keytruda? I know people who’s lives it has saved.

[@mr.foxwiz1653]

So sorry to hear about your wife having cancer. Stay strong and take care of your family.

[@davidthompson7817]

My heart dropped when I heard him say that. My wife died of endometrial cancer, for which there is no cure… She was told she was free of cancer(after everything that they could do for her, so she went on a trial which I think she got the placebo), but it came back into her lungs a year later. She was an amazing educator and she had the sweetest voice, I miss it in the life that it brought me every day … I am devastated & I hope the Viking is as strong as he looks, he’s going to need it…😥.

[@d2sxps70]

for your wife , you should look into MMS1 & MMS2 . miracle mineral solution

[@SteveMA1000]

Hang in there!! My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 27 years ago. She underwent chemo/radiation and then, 18 months later after having found a "remnant" in her lungs, underwent another bout of chemo/radiation. She is now approaching her 96 birthday!!!

[@dieselfunk65]

That’s fantastic ❤

[@mudithmahendrajith8082]

😮❤❤😊😊

[@Piecenotwar]

❤

[@JoergSingapore]

🎉 Congrets, she fought it successfully...

[@WAB2138]

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for medical use was advanced by research groups at institutions such as Harvard University and MIT. Specifically: 1. Harvard Medical School: Researchers here have explored the role of gut microbiota in enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments like immunotherapy. Their studies suggest that restoring gut microbial diversity through FMT could improve treatment responses in patients with conditions like melanoma and possibly colon cancer. 2. MIT and OpenBiome: OpenBiome, a nonprofit stool bank established by researchers affiliated with MIT, has been instrumental in developing and providing access to safe and screened fecal microbiota for medical research and treatment. This organization has supported research into FMT’s applications beyond C. difficile, including its potential role in cancer therapy. The exact development of FMT specifically for colon cancer patients remains an area of ongoing research, but these institutions have significantly contributed to the field.

[@pandemonium274]

I am very sorry to hear about the bad news with your wife. God bless your family.

[@fryske.tynster]

i dont hink he sees here a lot with al his travels

[@electricviking]

Thanks!

[@drwisdom1]

The German politician said VW needs encryption. I say stop collecting personal information that is none of their business. Is that asking too much?

[@peterjohn5834]

No

[@billcichoke2534]

Sorry...that's what happens when you drive ANY EV. Those systems are internet connected. Don't want data breaches? Don't drive ANY new car...DEFINITELY don't drive an EV.

[@davidcolin6519]

@@billcichoke2534 This is certainly NOT exclusive to EVs. In fact, privacy advocates were complaining for YEARS before car data collection was required by legislation. However, this is not a "New car" problem, because data protection legislation does apply. This IS a VAG problem, but it is also a lesson for any and all automakers. What it really does is show how far VAG has slipped. Falsifying pollution data rather than fix the problem, slow reactions to an existensial threat, a complete failure to supply new cars with glitch-free software, and now we have such a heinous data breach that it endangers the entire group. Does anybody think that VAG's management in the 70s and 80s would have performed so egregiously?

[@f1aziz]

@@billcichoke2534 If you really don't want data collection, then you'd have to start with your smart phones, the amount of stuff these things collect on their owners is mind boggling. And also get off the Internet. EVs and smart phones and the Internet are here to stay, a normal consumer can't have a normal convenient life without modern appliances, therefore, you'd need regulations and authorities to enforce at least modicum of privacy. Nobody's going back to the 1980s, it's not possible.

[@drwisdom1]

@f1aziz I translate your comment to: Crimes are committed every day, so if you get robbed it is totally Ok. Crime is here to stay so accept it.

[@cafemm]

Volskwagen goes from scandal to scandal screwing over their buyers. I will never get one

[@MsKewi-NYC]

This isn't a scandal all EV / car truck companies does this it was up to these politicians to read the fine print in the case bold print with video and opt out of the Traffic Cloud reporting system from VW that tracks all VW cars. When buying any new car just opt out of any reporting of your data otherwise your screwed.

[@cottagegymfun]

Likely much more scandalous going back to ww2 days

[@Bernd-b1y]

there are no big scandals. Paid shills are just trying to spread FUD and make everything "legacy" a scandal, hilarious that so many people do not seem to understand that

[@Random-es7yo]

Great cars though. Reliable. Well built. At least the old ones. Cant beat German engineering.

[@MonstroLab]

1st VW tech & design stolen from the Czechs (Tatra T97) then they ordered Tatra to stop making T97. "German engineering"

[@michaeltan6892]

Of course this matter will be ignored by the media. Thank you for being objective and honest. We need more people like you to tell the real truth to the world.

[@davidthompson7817]

I sure enjoy watching the Electric Viking. I’ve seen someone calling him the Chinese Viking… He does seem to favor certain aspects of this industry, but it’s really rude when people start talking like that and I just wish they wouldn’t bother making any comments at all. If that’s all they have got to contribute especially, when this guy is giving us so much information, it’s almost overwhelming not being an electric car buyer yet.But if I live long enough who knows, maybe😊. I do like to give credit where credit is due and if I do ever get the chance to purchase a car or van/truck, I think it will be electric and thanks to the reporting on The Electric Viking,I think I will make a somewhat intelligent decision based on information he’s given us. Cheers!🎉

[@jasonriddell]

ignored because for a LARGE MAJORITY it is a "nothing burger" and is more likely to get viewers to tune out NOT tune in

[@SMJ-l6r]

​@@jasonriddell hell no... This would be crazy big news if media reports it. Would just scare everyone about EVs in general

[@calc1657]

The Chinese ban govt workers from owning Teslas.

[@jbell6642]

Thanks for your great work Sam. We’re all wishing the best for you and your wife.

[@electricviking]

Appreciate that!

[@buixote]

Right to repair activist, Louis Rossmann, has observed that OEMs regularly accuse 3rd Party Repair Businesses of the kind of abuses that they themselves practice.

[@craigmerrow225]

Right to repair is one of the things that I like about Aptera.

[@KeyshowJi]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@rogermckenzie2711]

So Volkswagen said it was easy for customers to turn off the tracking but did they tell customers when they bought the car that tracking was enabled?

[@MsKewi-NYC]

This politician knowing that she was apart of National Security also needed her whereabouts protected should've known better just to opt out the program. Now she got caught by superiors in her party she's trying to make a big stinker by CYA the situation by going to the press. Instead of just opting out. Dumb!

[@jasonriddell]

likely in a click through on an EULA somewhere

[@jkajolin]

You agree to it every time you start the car

[@jmnka]

I'm so sorry for the news of your wife's cancer. My died 7 years ago from the same stage 4 colon cancer. My heart weeps for you and your family. Prayers from Canada.

[@DanacyclingThailand]

Great work Sam. Keep it up. Best Wishes & Good Health to all of your Family.

[@johnfrancis4401]

It’s amazing what they get up to. The cheat chip regarding Diesel emissions was surprising….and now this. Shocking.

[@Bernd-b1y]

lol clueless yapping

[@markjonz]

@Bernd-b1yoh really, do explain

[@globalismoblackman]

Oh, it's the Russian and Chinese that."switched on the data 😅😂🤣. Lol. Their default explanation blame games.😅.

[@Fanta....]

@Bernd-b1y if you don't want to hear clueless yapping, don't type it out.

[@Boboche]

Germany is so done 😢

[@bugsbunny8881]

Your phone already tracks you 24/7. You have NO privacy!

[@mhsj]

buy an iPhone

[@davidcolin6519]

If you live in the EU you have plenty of privacy, no matter what the brand you use.

[@davidcolin6519]

@@mhsj iPhones are less vulnerable, but Apple did deliberately create backdoors into their systems, so iPhones may be better, but they are not perfect, nor can ANY smart phone be.

[@mustafazahari9793]

but the data cannot be access by the public...

[@joseph_wei]

@@davidcolin6519 If you are using google or Apple cloud, then according CLOUD ACT, any data no matter where it is, as long as the company is US based, US government can access.

[@a.e.w.384]

Why the focus on EV owners? The car makers are tracking new ICE vehicles too because the same software is in both vehicles. GPS navigation? Tracked. In-car Emergency comms feature? Tracked. Anti-theft security features? Tracked. Subscription services? Tracked.

[@digitaldirect-q5w]

Well that's the problem he only cares about EVs. As far as he's concerned ICE doesn't exist and should never.

[@tylersen3318]

Not only tracked, but publicly available for sale by data brokers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYDPoGp4Z7-smqssi=hIHrmE-PEjvEXZ1C People need to realize that this isn't a software bug, it's a deliberately included "feature".

[@jkajolin]

The issue itself was not the car. But the data stored in AWS cloud for the VW id app. ICE cars don't use that app

[@j.c.4192]

​@@jkajolinthat bc your ICE cat is old. those data care collected and retrieved at the dealership and then stored at AWS.

[@a.e.w.384]

@@jkajolin I know this this is why I highlighted all the other ways data is being collected discretely. It applies to all cars. So spare me the ICE cars to don't have this problem BS argument. Of course it's not just cars because I am confident phones are tracking movement to determine consumer behavior patterns to better tailor the ads you love to watch and consume. The point is this time the data collection was exposed due to inadequate cloud security next it will be something else. Bottom line this is not just an EV thing.

[@avrahamavraham5977]

Hey Sam, I hope your wife gets through this and becomes healthy. I believe in miracles.💞💕

[@laughinggas5281]

The keto or carnivore diet can help. Cancers tend to thrive on hi carbohydrate diets

[@pr1stvan]

@@laughinggas5281The keto/carnivore trend is in the same category as the EVs are bad youtube videos. Red meat casuses cancer. A plant based or pescotarian diet can help.

[@ericmc6482]

Research Ivermectin and Fenbendazole cancer cure protocols ASAP. Also delete ALL sugars out of intake and eat only organic meats and produce and pure water.

[@KeyshowJi]

Red meat prevents cancer. Just llok at FIRST NATION INHABITANTS. CANCER IS SO RARE that each acnd every individual case merits a writeup in canadian medical journals 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jackiedines5229]

Wish your wife all the healing powers that can possibly be mustered to defeat this problem. Thank you for your great channel.

[@electricviking]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@agnesw4189]

Whatever they blame the Chinese are doing, is what they're doing all along....talk about safety and reliability.

[@jasonriddell]

yup teh Chinese do it and the "western" brands / govt can NOT access the data

[@obiwan5781]

Every accusation from the west is a confession of their actions.

[@CjxJamie]

This is what I always tell my friends in the West: whenever your media/ government accuses China of something, watch out, that means someone in the West is/was doing it. Not that China has no problems, but the West simply knows nothing about the country: There is neither interest nor intent to understand the Real China in the West. Ppl just want stories that reaffirm their China Bad belief. So whatever the West says about China are really just conjectures, projections and wishcasting based on what's happening in the West.

[@abitofmymind]

It's called projecting

[@markhilken7026]

Aahh Volkswagen data collection would warm the hearts of any STASI agent or Josef Göbels himself

[@cadude145]

Isn't it interesting that Volkswagen group management is not able to make morally responsible decisions every since diesel gate. It appears changing management does not change culture.

[@NHEO]

My own company named hypermedia used to make software for Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes in the early 90s, but they would never pay my bills within less than nine months which almost made me bankrupt sinceI had to pay my rock star employees on a monthly basis Soon 1994 I stopped building software for them and told them that they will definitely find some idiots who could do it “better for less”. And they did. Obviously… Accordingly, I bought my last Porsche 911 in 2013 and I’ll keep it until I die. No more money to make here, guys.

[@hansdampf9769]

Worked vor a tiny supplier during my school years. the way they treat These suppliers ist disgusting. Hope you found better, Moral Business Partners.

[@inthevibedev]

Is this a htmx joke?

[@ouethojlkjn]

The auto industry in particular is famous for screwing over their suppliers. I am pretty sure they all have a handbook to give new purchasing reps.

[@joegibbs2508]

9:30 "You can track the Police using Volkswagen data" 😂🤣🤪 That's some crazy shit, on so many levels!!!

[@stefanpredl6849]

yep they all use id4,5 and buzz ^^

[@ttystikkrocks1042]

I drive a 21 year old car and suddenly I feel like a genius. There's a bunch of class action lawsuits warming up over this even now. NO ONE has the right to track me without a court order; that's part of the 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Respect my rights or expect to get sued!

[@mykegoh]

You really think you weren't being tracked by ur government, if they wanted to?

[@ouethojlkjn]

It’s entirely possible that car of yours also had emissions cheating software installed so you could probably sue them for that already…

[@cutehumor]

Why are you watching electric Viking? If being tracked is important to you. You got a 21 year old car

[@Nehpets-RJ]

Tesla has been watching their cars from day one ... Bosch is probably watching their toasters

[@ericogden4589]

However, Tesla has preeminent systems and data security, and anonymized / Metadata. Very different.

[@fireh3211]

targeted marketing is a curse, and all they good for is offering you things you already bought

[@softwarephil1709]

I’ve wondered where my toaster has been going when I’m not watching. 🤔

[@DonnellChester-xd7yg]

And all of this information will be transferred to your insurance company and local authorities thank you 😮

[@jasonriddell]

to late GM already did that and a BOLT owners insurance rates went up

[@electricviking]

It is concerning indeed.

[@mattahmad4387]

very sorry to hear about your wife. you are doing a commendable job with producing these videos and managing the stress in the background. Our prayers are with you and your family and you have whole community's support.

[@badoiuecristian]

the primary issue is not the breach, but data collection...

[@apislapis]

Sorry to hear about your wife. I drive a 2018 Citroen diesel and it's been tracking my location until I found out recently and turned it off. It's not just an EV phenomena.

[@richardconway6425]

Was it easy to disable/turn off the tracking? How did you find out that it had been tracking your location?

[@niilokorpi9826]

I drive a Citroen diesel also but I don’t believe anyone is tracking my 1977 Citroen CXD Prestige (definitely a true Citroen).

[@niilokorpi9826]

Why would anyone buy a vehicle from the company that initiated the Diesel Gate Pollution Scam? What is wrong with people? Why reward a company that deceptive?

[@danr8194]

​@@niilokorpi9826 By that logic Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki, Ram, Cummins, Renault, Jeep, Mercedes, Hyundai, Volvo, GM , Ford, Subaru are just some of the cheaters in emissions so maybe we shouldn't buy from them either.

[@richardconway6425]

@@niilokorpi9826 apart from the scrap merchants ! 😂

[@thyristo]

What MacGyver taught me: the one who starts the baseless accusations is the one who tries to divert from oneself doing the things he's accusing others of.

[@HowToTurkiye]

Hi Sam. It's not only electric cars. And it's not only VW cars. It's all the VW group cars. Half of the names of the Secret Service workers were exposed.

[@florianmallok7770]

It's only cars based on Software made by Cariad and that's only BEV as far as i know.

[@ouethojlkjn]

I believe it was other vehicles like Skoda and Seat as well as VW, but they were all battery electric

[@kouradasmith3720]

Smart phones have been tracking us for years. The issue is it needs to be secure but hey, how secure is our data in our smart devices cars etc. I assume everything is accessible

[@robbieb8274]

I've been saying for years, I'd rather china have my information then my own country

[@bettysteve322716]

I love my Huawei for the same reason, that and it never leaves the house. I explain it as "it's a wall phone" to people who wonder why l don't reply instantly.

[@jasonriddell]

100% agree simple what can the CCP DO IF THEY want to in the USA/Canada/Australia without creating a huge political "war" GM ALREADY gave driving information on drivers to US insurance companies and a BOLT driver went to renew and found out here carrier wont renew her car insurance as she is high risk and she ended up paying FAR MORE for car insurance and GM would NOT let her review the data let alone correct it so GM "ruined" a customers life over collected data

[@robbieb8274]

@bettysteve322716 yea I love my xiaomi just sux Australia banned china rom phones, have to pay double for global rom now

[@JJ20182]

This is so true, only your own government can use your own information against you.

[@TamasKiss-yk4st]

@bettysteve322716 Huawei is the worst phone what you can choose for messages.. they send their datas through China.. and once the data enter to China, their law in charge, alias they will read all your contents, they call it to censorship (which is still exists in China), but other counties simply call it to spying, this is why everyone banned them..

[@williamwhitney6473]

Don't worry; Be happy. Trust us.

[@stvybaby]

A guy from Iowa religiously watching China Update by a New Zeelander. Who would have thought. Thank You.. Happy New Year.

[@Mikegritz]

Doesn’t Germany have laws against this total lack of privacy?

[@wwoofthailand]

Thanks!

[@electricviking]

Welcome!

[@MrVeryCranky]

Great expose, keep up the excellent video's.

[@electricviking]

Much appreciated

[@hariseldon3786]

The first example "whether they went to a brothel..." was not what sprung to mind for me... Sam - you naughty thinker... but this tracking thing is outrageous! (NIce to see the German lady actually does her job!!! ... and also nice to see that she has acted on her findings!...

[@mjg1544]

When politicians don’t draft legislation to protect our privacy this is what happens. What they don’t realize is it can come back and bite them and their families too.

[@nowisthetime6093]

Insurance companies would be very much interested in this data collection. It can let them know your driving habits and speeds you go so they can charge you accordingly.

[@davidcolin6519]

That data is protected under EU data protection law. That VAG broke that law wholesale is a VAG problem, not an industry problem.

[@MsKewi-NYC]

They're already using it from vehicles made after 2020. They've got the data especially if there's a mic in the car too.

[@jasonriddell]

there is a case of GM doing just that in the USA and a BOLT driver having there insurance spike up

[@davidcolin6519]

@@jasonriddell I don't doubt it. The USA is big on "freedoms" for companies to abuse confidences and "freedom" to carry weapons around supermarkets etc. Not so much on freedoms from precisely those things. In the EU, there are very serious laws in place to stop these data breaches, and to fine those responsible. I certaily expect that VW will face yet more EU fines, and I'm starting to wonder whether the EU shoulñd just take stocks in the company rather than try to fine them any more, as nothing appears to diussuade the company management from the idea that.they are above the law.

[@nowisthetime6093]

@@davidcolin6519 Universal law... Where there's money to be made there's corruption and bending of laws.

[@flyingsword135]

All modern cars have this problem

[@MattyMoores]

I'm amazed they have managed to sell 800,000 of those shit boxes.

[@randersson3672]

The world is full of dumbasses....

[@ciaranon38]

You obviously have never driven an ID 3 or 4. Try driving one and then review. One of the best evs available at the moment.

[@randersson3672]

@ciaranon38 Thats irrelevant, the misery of charging and worrying about my garage and house burning to the ground is...and yes I have driven electric cars, not fun at all for me, good for you if you enjoy it.

[@johnmightymole2284]

I love my id 3. Really best car I ever had. I did love my jag but that was a long time ago. The id3 is right for me now.

[@philgreen2932]

You shouldn't have a cell phone then. Just as likely to catch fire​@@randersson3672

[@sigor2011]

With friends like this, who needs enemies.

[@matthijsbonefaas]

Very good. It was not here in the news. So you brought an important issue into light. Thanks

[@Genebaket]

So sorry to hear about your wife, please take time off and enjoy each other and your family. The world can wait your family cannot.

[@undisclosedthai]

That's why I think EVs should be useable as fully-offline, and no forcing updates, just like many fuel cars.

[@lisbethblicher220]

Downloading an app and not expecting to be tracked is just so naive.

[@danr8194]

I swear the human race has gotten so stupid they can't think for themselves anymore. Everyone knows most Apps track you and could probably track your bowel movements judging by the time you spend on the toilet. It's asinine...

[@ThatwillleaveaMark]

You act surprised by this VW tracking. Here in the states all new cars track, listen and watch you.

[@OnlyOneKich]

A Fact - Your phone and its apps gather and share far more data than any other device you own, including your car.

[@kenlaidoner9314]

1 wrong doesnt make another wrong ok... Stupid , stupid reasoning

[@johnnyjet3.1412]

Calls for more home conversions of ‘68 Beetles

[@andywurst4873]

It's not enough to know that this data is no longer public -- it should ONLY be allowed to be used by car manufacturers for product improvement and not be sold or subpoenaed by government.

[@jasonriddell]

and only COLLECT what is NEEDED like state of charge and miles driven NOT where and when the car was driven

[@snowsnz3976]

European insurance companies have been pressing to get car owners’ driving styles so they can then adjust their premiums accordingly.

[@dwolfism]

I am so sorry in regards to your wife! I am a surgeon have treated a number of patients with this terrible disease. And to have a young woman be stricken with this is so sad! My prayers and heartfelt sympathy for you and your family

[@christianpryor]

Was etwas unklar ist, ob die Daten nur vom Handy kommen oder ob das Auto selbst die Daten weitergibt. Tesla hat sicher auch so was ähnliches fest eingebaut.

[@savetheclimate2292]

Nee, das ist nicht unklar. VW sammelt die Daten, Mercedes und BMW sammeln, Tesla und wahrscheinlichn alle anderen EV-Brands sammeln auch diese Daten. Daten vom Handy werden natürlich auch gesammelt, abhängig davon, welche OS software genutzt wird.

[@Jim-ku6ry]

I was thinking to trade in my 2018 X5. After hearing crap like this, both EV and any new car, I think I'm hanging on to it. It runs perfectly well anyway

[@easternrazor3749]

Likewise, your phone with you is also being tracked for a very long time. Just that companies need to pay more attention to data security and manufacturers should be made responsible for any data breaches.

[@lisbethblicher220]

Data collection is an integral part of modern cars and in particular EVs. Just ask Tesla

[@ouethojlkjn]

I would not be surprised if my air fryer tracks what I cook

[@mr.goeser1867]

Many thanks for another good Video, all the best for 2025!

[@ddleupriandboast]

You know what helps. Don't install trackers, don't send the information, don't store it. It is also cheaper.

[@Corsa15DT]

Nothing wrong with knowing the address of politicians, they are never held accountable for anything and they should be!

[@OnlyOneKich]

Smart cars data concerns are like the smartphone debates years ago. Regulations will evolve, and if done right, hacking risks are minimal in time.

[@davidcolin6519]

The legislation is already in place. But legislation doesn't save a management team which has been asleep at the wheel for more than 2 decades.

[@jasonriddell]

big difference GOOGLE / Android are a business model based around creating as much data and SELLING targeted ad space to said user a car company only wants to SELL the RAW DATA to brokers that want to then create a user profile to then sell on to advertising companies and ANYONE else paying your phone profits MOST when the data is secure and ONLY in GOOGLES hands the car makers ONLY profit when the DATA is sold on and as complete as possible

[@ERNESTOThornhill]

Exciting times ahead with Adaxum! Just joined the presale, can't wait to see where this project goes

[@waynemattera8552]

Great content and prayers for you and family!

[@electricviking]

Appreciate that, thanks!

[@mikaeljakobsson8288]

The irony is that Germany is very sensitive about data protection, and you have to confirm who is driving every time you start the car, which is very annoying

[@jasonriddell]

that I HATE the confirm / sign in to use anything

[@bumpy783]

Germany should drop the uselessness of registration of religion and home address. Why can other countries survive without this none sense?

[@JamesBond-vg6wz]

Sending ❤ and healing vibes to shannon..Best wishes and stay positive..Thinking of you..🙏🌍

[@WAB2138]

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for medical use was advanced by research groups at institutions such as Harvard University and MIT. Specifically: 1. Harvard Medical School: Researchers here have explored the role of gut microbiota in enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments like immunotherapy. Their studies suggest that restoring gut microbial diversity through FMT could improve treatment responses in patients with conditions like melanoma and possibly colon cancer. 2. MIT and OpenBiome: OpenBiome, a nonprofit stool bank established by researchers affiliated with MIT, has been instrumental in developing and providing access to safe and screened fecal microbiota for medical research and treatment. This organization has supported research into FMT’s applications beyond C. difficile, including its potential role in cancer therapy. The exact development of FMT specifically for colon cancer patients remains an area of ongoing research, but these institutions have significantly contributed to the field.

[@b-art6098]

It's much more worse than you think. The problem with software development in Germany is that companies are often unwilling to pay competitive salaries, which results in a lack of top experts and lack of motivation. I’ve been in software development for a decade, and most of the companies I know primarily work with clients from the US, Swiss firms, or UK companies, mainly those based in London. I know of a company developing software for the German automotive industry, but they haven’t received a raise since 2020.

[@windinthewillows6248]

Every new car, EV or ice, which has a built in SIM card and or camera are a security risk, but also a privacy issue.

[@knoxtan325]

In this digitalised world you really don’t own anything, you are always a “tenant”…in a sense

[@SteveCroxon]

I have to ask why do charging companies require an app to use their chargers? Why cant the costs just be charged to a credit card after swiping the card like in stand alone fuel stations ? It appears that everything to do with ev's is monitored

[@drwisdom1]

I got a letter from VW saying my 2015 VW couldn't communicate because 3G was shutdown. They said I could buy a new $400 receiver and $400 installation. Of course if I had done that then tracking me would have been my fault.

[@stephenhammond1656]

Holy shitballs, this will be bigger than dieselgate. Thanks Sam.

[@205rider8]

Ha ha. 2015 Tesla still has connectivity!!

[@Bernd-b1y]

@@205rider8 it doesn't hahahaha

[@fireh3211]

3G would take days to transfer software updates

[@shortbuslife3440]

Love my 30+ year old classic cars :)

[@MsKewi-NYC]

Only way you can avoid them.😂😊

[@brucemcintosh7466]

@@MsKewi-NYC plus get a flip phone

[@stevensteven3425]

Who is the owner of the data? Again China is ahead of the West with their law. Did you know that in China you are the owner of the your data, the companies has to ask you and also let you decides what the data are that they may collect. You can always look into your socalled social account, there are alot, because every company or organization has their own. Also in China they have an Exchange for the "cookies" that these companies collects from you (see the data that you allow them) that they can sell. It's not like here in the West, that we don't know what they collect from you and sell to each other e.g. you phonenumber, CV, e-mailadress etc.

[@leifvieri4372]

800.000 EV owners didn't bother when they got their car, so why now? Why didn't you ask about telemetry in detail, data handling/storage, security, and of course in what way the agreement keeps the car owner totally compensated if something happens, like a data leakage. How many cars has an icognito mode, and when choosen, nothing will be registred, not locally in the car, not in the leaikning cloud. BTW, the GDPR gives the rights to be forgotten -has anyone requested this from VW yet?

[@gb2859]

First of all, my best wishes for a 2025 miracle for your wife. I'm now sure that all carmakers are screwing us up with connected cars. A strong worldwide legislation should address this matter in order to allow the driver to physically disconnect any data collect from cars. My most recent car is a 2015 one, I was starting to think about an EV, but I'm rather going to purchase another old 6 cylinder and keep it with greatest care !

[@MGZetta]

Tracking should be activated when the car is moving without connecting with your phone and when its involved in crash. Other service related location tracking should be activated manually by the owner.

[@michaelw3897]

Google tracks you phone location 24/7. Its the times we live in, no privacy for anyone.

[@jasonriddell]

yes they do BUT there business is around PROTECTING that data and selling AD space in front of your eyeballs NOT selling that data to the highest bidder

[@Dihorse371]

​@@jasonriddellDon't be that naive. Go and search for Project Prism. Google and all other media platform have to hand in the personal. data to the US Govt. periodically. US has built the most comprehensive surveillance network on global personal data of an unprecedented scale, such as tracking cell phone signals, biometrics, DNA database. 😢😢😢

[@esphilee]

Smart watch knows exactly what you do everyday. They monitor your heart beat and temperature. They know when, where you make love and how long you last. They know you better than your mom.

[@jonitan76]

@@jasonriddell how the fook the Indian scammer scam people in the west? That indian IT guy that work in Microsoft, Aplle, Google, Facebook, Amazon etc that sell their data to their fellow iniain in india. Thats why those scammer never die. even some smart Hackers / youtubers expose them, the new one will rise again and the cycle never end.

[@gerardroth8838]

Oh man, you are awesome! Great video.

[@fan2hd277]

All car manufacturers do that. Tesla is even filming you without your consent when you near a tesla. The data grab is everywhere. The worst of it is your phone.

[@jnc1771]

Actually, Tesla and other manufacturers are required by the safety standards agency of the U.S.A and Europe to have in car monitoring to detect when the driver is not paying attention and warn them etc. this is not unique. The point is,is the information encrypted, is it passed on to others, or is it only used for that car, or accident investigation. If the encrypt and hold the information siloed then there is little worry about. As these cars are computers on wheels and the safety systems need to understand the world around the vehicle it is inevitable that movements have to be tracked. It is just what does the company do with that information.

[@vincewhite5087]

Most cars can easily track you. My son in law is mechanic. He is hired by car lease companies often to input hidden gps. And most cars with remote starters have it in it.

[@walkerdarin2003]

Since the TDI diesel gate drama I wrote them off. The levels VW goes to lie cheat and steal is on a different level.

[@Bernd-b1y]

lol you are clueless. The ones constantly lying and stealing are Tesla and a few chinese companies

[@ouethojlkjn]

To be fair, they were all at it, not just VW. I am currently suing Peugeot.

[@charlesburdette7497]

Just like a cell phone

[@alexd302]

I don't have anything to hide but I find it creepy that my car tracks me. I guess so does my cellphone. And my credit card tracks me and all my purchases, where and when. I guess the more paranoid amongst us will tell me I should drive an old ICE car without electronics and use an old flip phone and pay in cash. Maybe also wear sunglasses and a hoodie! What's the world coming to?

[@SteveMA1000]

Great reporting by the way!!!

[@electricviking]

Appreciate that!

[@Kobayashi-z6v]

I used to be concerned about nefarious governments tracking our EV’s, but they already are through various other means. So whatever.

[@Finnbott1964]

Great info for a salesman! He can find out where his competitors customers are located!

[@Edico999]

I’m in the US. My BMW 530e had the same tracking feature, and it was easy to turn off. I now drive a TESLA and it’s the same - probably more so given all the real time data collection for FSD. Also Tesla uses your driving data to compute the insurance rates it offers customers.

[@maestos0]

you can turn off tracking in vw app. it is located in privacy settings. same in mercedes and toyota and in any other brand sold in EU

[@joseph_wei]

There should be laws about this, unless users explicitly agree to it car companies can't track them.

[@siawboen8847]

What comes out from the government regarding spying: Its only a projection my chap!

[@MikeKisil]

Wait a minute what about military equipment being used at the front line !

[@andywurst4873]

Thanks for bringing this to light Sam!

[@electricviking]

My pleasure!

[@avrahamavraham5977]

I agree with you ❤

[@Johan-mp8hy]

This is the main reason a great number of us "hate EVs". We saw this coming 10 years ago.. The absolute nightmare where big brother can turn off your car remotely. We further expect the cars to identify dissident and drive them to the nearest police station within a few years.. This is a dream come through for CCP and all other authoritarian regimes.

[@Charlie-xx2wj]

This Viking is exposing this info to the world and, thus, is endangering their owners.

[@margu4u]

Yes, this company (especially the management) is a shame and bad joke for germany ! (I'm glad to drive tesla since years)

[@vincentrobinette1507]

Tesla...The KINGS of data tracking!

[@margu4u]

​​​@@vincentrobinette1507 lol, another id_ot ... ...the BIG difference is tesla only does it if u agree in the settings AND they dont give the data to EVERYONE !! 😉 (...and they use the data to make their OWN software better for the customer, and not with software from china as vw needed to buy ! 😂)

[@Bernd-b1y]

Tesla is like the lowest quality stuff you can buy for a lot of money lol and especially the management of Tesla is beyond embarrassing

[@margu4u]

Ah, two of those who are still proud of the "german quality" 😂😂 btw. there is no more better quality (I drove german premium cars for 15 years ! ...but switch because of there now bad quality and their very bad price-perfomance-ratio ! ...but if you still want to pay for that, good luck😉)

[@alanhansbarger6025]

Thanks for a great report.

[@electricviking]

My pleasure!

[@Chris21721]

The fact that the data is being collected I like because I can use it in home automation (Home Assistant). I have automations like (If the car is at wife's work at 07:50 then heat it up as she finishes at 08:00 and she can get into a nice warm car) I also have a dashboard with all the information they provide to be able to calculate how much my EV is costing me. What concerns me is when that same information is available to anyone.

[@jeepmap1]

I dont understand how others can access her drive history? Is it open? Please clarify

[@philipkoekemoer4705]

All stored on the Amazon cloud Amateur hour

[@cadude145]

Well I was thinking of an ID4 - not now, I will cross that off my list

[@zbynekII]

No need. Every car manufacturer like GM, Toyota, Tesla colect these date and sell s them