Ford has introduced a new privacy commitment aimed at assuring customers that personal information collected through its vehicles will be protected and that users will have greater control over the data they share. The company announced the initiative on Monday 2 November, alongside a new website designed to explain what information it collects, how it uses the data, and how customers can adjust their privacy settings, reports ASAASE Radio.

The move comes as Ford prepares to introduce a new generation of connected vehicles, including models built on its upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle platform.

Ford’s Chief Privacy Officer, Kristin Jones, said the initiative was intended to improve transparency and help customers understand the company’s data practices.

“I personally think that it’s super important for us to be making it very clear to our customers what our data practices are, and not only that, but making a commitment to them about it,” she told TechCrunch.

The growing use of connected vehicle technology has raised concerns about the amount of personal information collected by automakers and how it is shared with third parties.

Features such as remote start, navigation, and driver-assistance systems rely on vehicle connectivity. However, a survey cited in the report found that only 14% of US customers fully understood what data their vehicles collected.

Concerns over data privacy have also intensified following regulatory action against General Motors over its handling of drivers’ information. The company recently reached a $220 million settlement with 36 US states over allegations involving the sharing of customers’ driving data.

Jones said Ford wanted to strengthen customer confidence by explaining the benefits and implications of sharing vehicle information.

(Picture: Ford Motor Company)