Android Auto Denied By Porsche

Porsche drops Google’s Android Auto over fear of data farming.

Your refrigerator, thermostat, watch, and smartphone all report data back to the manufacturer — so why not your car? Now Google has come under fire for requiring data collections from vehicles running Android Auto.

MotorTrend’s Jonny Lieberman looked over the agreement that Porsche turned down for their 2017 911 models. Lieberman wrote that to include Android Auto, the agreement from Google required that “certain pieces of data must be collected and mailed back to Mountain View, California. Stuff like vehicle speed, throttle position, coolant and oil temperature, engine revs – basically Google wants a complete OBD2 [on-board diagnostics] dump whenever someone activates Android Auto.”

Google, of course, has called the report false and untrue. Google released a statement: “We take privacy very seriously and do not collect the data the Motor Trend article claims such as throttle position, oil temp, and coolant temp. Users opt in to share information with Android Auto that improves their experience, so the system can be hands-free when in drive and provide more accurate navigation through the car’s GPS.” Keep in mind this is just like setting up your smartphone when selecting how much data you’re willing to share. So user be warned.

Of course, Apple didn’t to be left out, saying the only data they collect is if the vehicle moving while Apple Play is in use. This, along with security and privacy concerns, is why Porsche chose Apply Play in their new 911 models.

(Image Source: iCLIPART)