Automobile Data Collection, Privacy, and Cybersecurity: License Plate DPPA Exposure, State Regulations, Litigation Risk

This CLE webinar will provide an overview of automotive data collection happening today, related data privacy concerns they raise, and important cybersecurity takeaways. Key federal laws, including the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and analogous state laws, will be analyzed along with related consumer protection laws. The panel will also share compliance trends, cybersecurity controls, and incident response efforts that will help mitigate enforcement risk and litigation exposure.

Technological integrations and advancements are improving user experiences, increasing productivity, and facilitating business transactions. But the convenience gained comes at the sacrifice of privacy. One rapidly evolving area of integration involves vehicles—specifically, telematics systems and license plate data collection. Data usage in these instances raises significant privacy and cybersecurity risks, exposing businesses to private litigation and government enforcement. 

Modern vehicles collect, transmit, and monetize consumer data through telematics systems integrated with smartphones, social media, and third-party platforms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is scrutinizing this data collection practice and business tied to them. States are also advancing regulatory and legislative efforts. In this evolving landscape, attorneys must help clients anticipate compliance obligations and adapt to heightened enforcement trends.  

License plate data is another area of data collection raising privacy and cybersecurity concerns. The DPPA places disclosure limits on DMVs at the federal level, allowing disclosure of personal information only in a few permissible instances. Although commercial entities routinely obtain DMV data under these exceptions, the DPPA is now frequently cited in data privacy and cybersecurity litigation, in breach actions, or tied to automated license plate reader technology (ALPR). ALPRs are widely used commercially; examples include parking facilities, homeowners' associations, and private security operations. States have adopted laws similar to the DPPA. 

Listen as our authoritative panel breaks down the automobile data ecosystem and the growing data privacy concerns surrounding telematics, ALPR, and downstream data sharing. Time will be devoted to the DPPA, analogous state statutes, and related consumer protection laws. The panel will also share compliance frameworks, contracting tips, cybersecurity controls, and incident response efforts that will mitigate risks related to automotive data collection.