Automakers welcome new EU data protection rules

“This regulation arguably gives us the most modern data protection regime in the world; one that was conceived explicitly to deal with issues arising with regard to connected products and services,” stated ACEA Secretary General Erik Jonnaert.

In the same vein, ACEA recently adopted a statement setting out five principles of data protection to which the industry will adhere. These principles include transparency, customer choice, ‘privacy by design’, data security and the proportionate use of data. ACEA has also just published the industry’s strategy paper on connectivity, which addresses issues such as data protection and access to vehicle data by third parties.

Jonnaert: “Data protection is an issue automakers take very seriously, as we are committed to providing our customers with a high level of protection and maintaining their trust. This is essential if intelligent transport systems and the connected car are to fulfil their potential to contribute towards societal goals such as facilitating traffic management, improving road safety, reducing fuel consumption and bringing down CO2 emissions.”

“However, with these new EU data protection rules in place, we should avoid that national data protection authorities start interpreting this Regulation divergently,” warns ACEA’s Secretary General. “Now that we have one common EU Regulation, different national interpretations should be avoided.”