Access to vehicle data: what is at stake for EU citizens and the auto industry?
Connected and automated vehicles are fast becoming an integral part of Europe’s data economy. Earlier this month, ACEA teamed up with the Kangaroo Group think tank to hold a timely debate on this topic, ahead of the European Commission’s proposal for legislation on access to in-vehicle data later this year.
Europe’s automobile industry is committed to giving access to the data generated by its vehicles. However, as pointed out by Mark Harvey, Director of Enterprise Connectivity at Ford of Europe, uncontrolled access to in-vehicle data poses major safety, cybersecurity, security, data protection and privacy threats.
“A connected car is not a smartphone on wheels,” Mr Harvey warned, stressing that car manufacturers remain responsible for the safety, security and integrity of the vehicles they produce. “It is critical to us that data sharing is conducted in a safe, secure and fair manner.”
A connected car is not a smartphone on wheels. It is critical to us that data sharing is conducted in a safe, secure and fair manner.
This can be achieved thanks to the ‘Extended Vehicle’ model for off-board data sharing, explained Harvey. This model can use neutral servers to ensure that all players have access to the same input at the same time, allowing them to compete on equal footing.
The Commission’s view was also captured during this online event. “We need to make sure that we regulate only where it is necessary, with future-proof legislation,” explained Kerstin Jorna of DG GROW. “This is key to ensure quality data, consumer trust and consumer benefits.”
We need to make sure that we regulate only where it is necessary, with future-proof legislation.
Henna Virkkunen, Member of the European Parliament, raised the importance of technology neutrality in this field. “Cooperative, connected, and automated mobility will facilitate smoother, more efficient, greener and safer transport,” she said. “But this will only be possible by allowing the industry and innovators to find the best way instead of legislators picking the solution.”
Cooperative, connected, and automated mobility will facilitate smoother, more efficient, greener and safer transport. But this will only be possible by allowing the industry and innovators to find the best way instead of legislators picking the solution.
Other speakers at the event were Paulo Variz of Portuguese Permanent Representation; Michael Gahler MEP, President of the Kangaroo Group; and Eric-Mark Huitema, ACEA Director General.
Photo credits (left to right): Mikko Mäntyniemi, Ford of Europe, European Union.
