I'll guess they timed the announcement, to contrast with GM paying out 9 figures for selling consumer data - https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/10/gm-to-pay-220-million-a...

It'd be lovely if other automakers followed suit, but I wouldn't actually bet on Ford keeping its Promise.

If you follow the links, the first thing it tells you is "Download the app".[1]

Vehicle Data Sharing appears to be opt-out, not opt-in. They do say "If you’d like to ensure you’re not sharing data, check Vehicle Connectivity in your Settings menu in-vehicle and toggle it off." After doing that, someone should check to see if the wireless modem is still emitting.

[1] https://www.ford.com/data-and-privacy/manage-your-settings/c...

Personally I would like a car that simply does not generate any "data" in the first place.

These fuckers don't even allow anonymous access from Tor to this very site where they claim to honor your privacy.

All I can read from that title is double-speak about how it's your responsibility to opt out, your problem if you don't.

"Your data is safe with us."

No, our data is barely even safe with ourselves. It's definitely not safe with anyone else!

Don't let Ford PR crowd out the primary message that they collect and sell your data.

Easiest way to control your data is to pull the telemetry unit out of of your car and never take the car to the dealership. This isn't easy, but it's worth it.