Driving You Blind: General Motors Accused of Selling Texans’ Driving Data to Insurance Giants

The legal action, filed in Montgomery County, near Houston, is a direct response to these alleged violations of Texans’ privacy rights. The Attorney General’s office has described GM’s actions as not only unethical but also illegal under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The lawsuit seeks the destruction of all improperly collected data, compensation for the affected drivers, and civil penalties to deter future violations.

GM has responded to these serious allegations, stating that they are in discussions with the Attorney General’s office and are currently reviewing the complaint. However, the company’s reassurance might do little to rebuild the trust that may have been shattered by these revelations.

The heart of this issue lies in the alleged deception surrounding GM’s OnStar diagnostic products. The lawsuit claims that GM misled consumers into believing that enrolling in OnStar programs was a mandatory step when purchasing or leasing a vehicle. By agreeing to these programs, drivers unknowingly consented to the collection and sale of their data. The complexity and obscurity of GM’s disclosures only served to deepen the deception, making it difficult for customers to understand what they were truly signing up for.