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"Fnord666" writes:

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Automakers Could Stop Selling Cars In California Rather Than Comply With Tracking Laws [jalopnik.com]:

1st Gear: Automakers would rather lose California sales than give drivers more control over their location data

Back in 2024, California made a new law about drivers' location data. Specifically, the law states that people with a restraining order shouldn't have to share data with folks they have those restraining orders against, including removing the latter from car data sharing. Automakers, despite having nearly two years to comply with this, have yet to actually do so. Now, they might just abandon California. From Reuters [reuters.com]:

A group representing major automakers warned on Tuesday that car companies may be forced to halt sales of both ​new and used vehicles in California on July 1 unless the state ‌delays vehicle technology rules that aim to prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from tracking survivors.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai and most other automakers, said unless ​a legislative proposal is signed into law by July 1 "there is substantial ​risk that auto sales in California will be suspended."

The group said ⁠automakers are implementing the domestic violence victim protections required under the 2024 law "but ​compliance with some elements of the law is impossible this year."

California is the single ​largest U.S. auto market, accounting for about 10% of sales.

The 2024 California law requires automakers to set up a clear process for drivers to submit a copy of a restraining order or ​other documentation and request termination of another driver's remote access within two business days. ​It also mandated that carmakers enable drivers to easily turn off location access from inside the ‌vehicle.

This sounds like the automakers playing hardball, trying to get California to back down on the law. Hopefully the state doesn't, and the automakers have to face the potential of actually losing all that profit.

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