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Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

rivian.com

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Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#321
post #79

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They've fixed that in later models, disconnecting the module disables the dash now. But don't worry, the FTC is out to protect you. Their settlement with GM says that can only sell your name attached to zipcode resolution location data and only sell your precise location trace attached to an opaque ID rather than your name.

I've reliably disconnected Toyotas and VWs by pulling the cell antenna connections from the telematics modules in the dash. The GPS antenna is separate and still aids in carplay navigation.

How did you confirm this? I believe you think you did it, but is there any way to confirm its not still sending via another module?

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#322

Earlier quoted context omitted.

LOL, is this really your only thought? Did you also disable ABS and refuse to use smart cruise control?

Why do you think lane keeping assist is useful? Why do you think smart cruise control is useful? I can't tell if ABS is useful or not. My car has it but I've never used it.

If you've ever braked hard, you've used ABS. Its what let's you continue to steer under heavy braking. Previous generations were taught to pump the breaks for a similar (much less effective) effect.

The fact that you've used it and don't know it proves your point. That's an example of good safety implementation.

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#323

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I assure you that “old cars costing as much as new ones” isn’t the result of the market force of people reading contractual fine print and/or freaking out about telemetry. Concentric circles of echo chambers over here.

I agree. I have never met anyone in real life that's concerned about telemetry on their car. They're worried about the cost of a new car, and the cost of all the electronics, should they go bad.

> I have never met anyone in real life that's concerned about telemetry on their car

You mean you've never had a conversation about it. You can't know if you've met somebody that has that concern unless you've broached the subject explicitly.

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#324

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yeah, because you allegedly consented to them being able to update your ECUs via the mobile link in the cars when you bought the car. As if I needed another reason to keep my 2014 skoda. If i ever have to get a new car, i will disable telemetry, and i will buy it either without telemetry, or with the agreement that i do not consent to telemetry. (read the fine print before getting a new car. the shit they can do that…

How do you disable telemetry in a new car. I have a 2022 Kona. It's the first car I've had with telemetry. No idea how to disable it.

Find the cellular and/or wifi antennae and cut them.

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#325
post #79

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They've fixed that in later models, disconnecting the module disables the dash now. But don't worry, the FTC is out to protect you. Their settlement with GM says that can only sell your name attached to zipcode resolution location data and only sell your precise location trace attached to an opaque ID rather than your name.

I've reliably disconnected Toyotas and VWs by pulling the cell antenna connections from the telematics modules in the dash. The GPS antenna is separate and still aids in carplay navigation.

Makes it less likely to connect presumably, but at least on some cars it will sometimes, rarely manage to get out-- and of course it'll upload its queued data if it can. (In particular I know of someone where a GM car managed to get data onto the Lexis Nexis report with the antenna disconnected-- now with their FTC settlement its harder to tell if its still getting through, unfortunately).

Or if you take it in for service and they plug the antenna in. Better than nothing, but if your privacy and security depends on not being constantly tracked it's not good enough.

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#326

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I assure you that “old cars costing as much as new ones” isn’t the result of the market force of people reading contractual fine print and/or freaking out about telemetry. Concentric circles of echo chambers over here.

I agree. I have never met anyone in real life that's concerned about telemetry on their car. They're worried about the cost of a new car, and the cost of all the electronics, should they go bad.

I’m not worried even a lick about what cars cost electronics or otherwise. My primary factor in selecting a vehicle is my physical safety; after that it’s electronic surveillance.

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#327

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Doesn't being legally non roadworthy only apply to NHTSA safety recalls while there are other types of recalls for non compliance or manufacturer voluntary recalls?

Having worked (on the vehicle registration system) for a state agency that is a combination "department of motor vehicles" plus "highway department", there could be a case made that since your vehicle does not meet NTSB/DOT standards, that it isn't roadworthy and the best you could get would be a SALVAGE title. Which would require expensive inspections if you try to sell it or register it. In Europe, car manufacturer…

Not disagreeing with you in general, but as another datapoint, in MN a vehicle only needs a theft inspection (no charge) to clear a Salvage title. DMV explicitly states that it's not a safety inspection. They really only care that you didn't repair it with stolen parts. IME you show them receipts for parts you bought, and the inspection is over in less than 5 minutes.

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#328

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Some people like messing with cars. They take the time to understand what's happening and learn the process and pitfalls. Hobbyists wiil never be as good as trained professionally but we can still get the job done. I went through the trouble to diagnose and replace a bad alternator on my civic after the battery started dying too fast. I did it cause it was fun. The other reason i did it is because the dealership and…

Some how, we've changed the direction of the conversation to something you lost vs a software update to the brains of the car. I'm guessing just to make the obvious point the dealership is not the cheapest place for repair.??? This isn't change the tire or get an oil change. This is something a consumer has deliberately done to prevent the manufacture from making an OTA software update. These are the kinds of changes…

Sure, but you have to realize that everyone isn't you. Many people are quite comfortable messing with the deep internals of their vehicle, to the point of changing code in the ECU. Others won't even change an air filter. Takes all kinds.

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#329

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe they researched customers’ backgrounds and only screwed the ones they thought wouldn’t lawyer up

This doesn't require research. Just reject by default and concede if a lawyer shows up. It doesn't cost any money to have a default denial policy and saves millions.

works for health care providers. deny then let the survivors sue.

Re: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

#330
post #123

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Interesting, I reviewed every Rivian software update recall letter I could find before I posted this and they all said something like "If you have not already updated to software version 2025.18.30 or later, please do so to remedy this issue at no cost to you," with no mention of the dealership as a remedy - for example, https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V585-0759.pdf . This is different from other manuf…

Aren’t Rivian dealers relatively rare? I’d compare them to Tesla.

I'm sure they are, but I live in rural MN and Teslas are fairly common here, including the (barf!) Cybertruck. I'm seeing an increasing number of Rivian SUV's now.
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