A Touchy Subject
Data privacy has become a big topic in the last couple of years, mainly because many aspects of life are now tracked in one way or another. Cars aren’t exempt from this, either, as many modern vehicles have some form of trackers or monitors built in. While there is an option to opt out of it, it doesn’t always guarantee total privacy.
Many lawsuits have been launched against automakers regarding data collection. Aside from privacy concerns, there’s the matter of third-party companies being able to buy this precious data. It’s typically firms related to insurance, but the bigger worry is if the legally purchased data somehow ends up in the wrong hands.
BMW
Meanwhile, in Europe
Across the Atlantic, those who buy new cars don’t really have a choice out of it. The European Union officially enacted the EU Data Act in September 2025. Under this law, automakers are required to have interior-facing driver monitoring systems to track drowsiness or distraction. Granted, event data recorders have been mandated there since 2022; the interior cameras take it a step further.
Unsurprisingly, reactions toward it have been mixed at the very least. Of course, there are safeguards in place, but the idea of an on-board camera watching every movement has been rubbing people the wrong way.
BMW
BMW’s Take
BMW has just made a major announcement for its future models. It’s not more power, higher range, or better efficiency in any of its cars, although that’s a given with the new-generation models. Rather, the company is ramping up its efforts in data collection, more specifically, image data from real-world traffic situations.
Why, you ask? According to the automaker, it’s for “the continuous development of driver assistance systems and partially-automated driving functions.” BMW aims to make its advanced driver assists react in a more human and natural way to further reduce the chances of unnecessary intervention from these systems and the odds of shocking the driver when it does kick in. Data collected is then used to employ enhancements that owners can benefit from through over-the-air updates.
BMW
Safeguards
BMW says the data will only be used strictly for development purposes, and it will only gather data from instances where advanced driver assist intervention was activated. It records instances wherein the vehicle experienced an emergency or hard braking maneuver. The company adds that only relevant data will be used on those occasions.
Before the recording is used, BMW deletes the vehicle’s VIN before storing it in its data bank. Also, faces and license plates are obscured if playback is deemed necessary for review. If anything, the company is doing all it can to assure its customers that none of the data it collects will be used maliciously.
The BMW iX3 and i3, X5, and 7 Series already have this system in place. That said, it will eventually trickle down to the rest of BMW’s lineup. Do note that this is for the European market models, and it is yet to be determined when it will be applied to global models.
BMW
