Car Surveillance Rules Risk Gaps Amid Agencies’ Piecemeal Moves

Federal regulators risk pushback from both courts and consumers as they move to safeguard drivers’ privacy from cars that are collecting an ever-growing array of personal data.

The US Department of Commerce was among the first to consider regulations around in-car data privacy in March when it proposed prohibiting US carmakers from acquiring technology and services “integral” to connected vehicles from entities in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Cuba. The Federal Communications Commission floated rules a month later to help survivors of domestic violence control who can access connectivity features in vehicles.

The Federal Trade Commission and the ...