Today in the news blows the wind of change. OnStar is going to continue tracking you even if you quit their service and may/will/can make your information available to others. So those of you that have a concern Im including a link to disconnect it should you wish to.

The article on OnStar:

OnStar Tracks Your Car Even When You Cancel Service | Threat Level | Wired.com (http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/09/onstar-tracks-you/)


The link provided is to disconnect if you wish:


How to Take OnStar Out of a Car | eHow.com (http://www.ehow.com/how_5330281_onstar-out-car.html)

Not sure if I understand the technology. Isn't there hardware that needs to be removed from the vehicle ?

Not sure if I understand the technology. Isn't there hardware that needs to be removed from the vehicle ?Yep, a transponder of sorts that connects to satellites. Kind of like an in-car GPS unit.

Not sure if I understand the technology. Isn't there hardware that needs to be removed from the vehicle ?

Either removed or disconnected. The second article talks about how to do it. The thing that got me is how we are losing privacy more and more. The unit in the OnStar is a 2 way unit. It allows communication as well as navigation. That is where it differs from the normal GPS systems.

We have all seen pay as you go or technologies that give a service for free so long as...

But with this you can say no and they still want something from you with nothing in return except the risk of violating your privacy. It has already happened that OnStar has been asked to turn on the microphone feature so law enforcement can listen in. Also OnStar has the ability to shut down your car while its in motion. There again putting you at risk should the system fail.

Since GM cars and trucks are coming with it as a "free" option and later sold by subscription after the free trial runs out it has a major potential for abuse.

Looks like the issue is really transparency. If it is installed, free or otherwise, the consumer should be informed of it's capability . I may want those features in my car ;but it should be my choice.

looks like the issue is really transparency. If it is installed, free or otherwise, the consumer should be informed of it's capability . I may want those features in my car ;but it should be my choice.

Exactly, and the new changes that they are going to implement in December will remove that choice. As you can see its not exactly easy for you to disconnect/remove the system but it can be done. They really need to be upfront about all this as sheeple will be duped quite easily by not paying attention. They will assume if they do not subscribe to it then it is "off".

Hello:

In my view, soldiers mistreat their prisoners WHEN they detect they have permission from above...

In the same vein, due to the CRASHING of our Fourth Amendment rights by the NSA, who READS your email and LISTENS to your phone calls, companies believe they have license to violate our rights too.

Certainly, your local police forces do. When the idea was discussed on these very pages, tom called those INVASIONS a serious police investigation... In other words, he LIKED it.

So as long as the government thinks the only privacy that CAN'T be invaded is THEIRS, we're going to see MORE of this. You do know that Google is cooperating with the FEDS. They know more about you than your own MOTHER.

excon

Hello:

In my view, soldiers mistreat their prisoners WHEN they detect they have permission from above...

In the same vein, due to the CRASHING of our Fourth Amendment rights by the NSA, who READS your email and LISTENS to your phone calls, companies believe they have license to violate our rights too.

Certainly, your local police forces do. When the idea was discussed on these very pages, tom called those INVASIONS a serious police investigation... In other words, he LIKED it.

So as long as the government thinks the only privacy that CAN'T be invaded is THEIRS, we're gonna see MORE of this. You do know that Google is cooperating with the FEDS. They know more about you than your own MOTHER.

excon

That would be my responses to this OP.
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/current-events/surveillance-state-595361.html

I stand by my comments .

The control OnStar has over your vehicle is why I wouldn't even consider having it in mine. Even though Sun cofounder Scott McNealy said, "You have zero privacy anyway. Get over it," I prefer to believe I still have a minute amount of control over who knows what. Why I won't be found on Facebook either. They even seem proud they share info on you...

The control OnStar has over your vehicle is why I wouldn't even consider having it in mine.Many models and trims have it pre-installed whether you ordered it or not. Not sure they'll remove it for free, you'd never know unless you know where to check.

Update: they have backed out from this plan:

OnStar Kills Its Terrible Plan To Monitor Non-Customers' Driving - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2011/09/27/onstar-kills-its-terrible-plan-to-track-non-customers-driving-data/)

Well that kills this thread

It's good news.

What it does is show that consumers can sometimes win one. But it also illustrates the thinking in big companies of today.

Glad they changed their minds.
Thanks for the update.

I'd still remove their computer. :D

I'd still remove their computer. :D

Or since it is a feature of the car at a minimum unplug it until you decide to sell it.

Damn good point.