Is Toyota collecting our driving data... ie speed and habits? If so.... can we turn it off?
- Thread starter Pierac
- Start date
I'm not positive if you use the Toyota app, I don't think you can. Others my know for sure..........
On my Taco, I was getting all kinds of reminders for scheduling maintenance, started getting emails from Toyota dealers about sales and other unsolicited stuff. I canceled the app subscription and magically they disappeared. I also requested the dealer to delete my cell phone number from their database due to all the unsolicited calls and texts, they deleted my Taco's VIN from their database. I drove to the dealers for an oil change and had the Maintenance Manager look up my VIN on his system and all the records were still there, but the scheduler could not locate my VIN in the system.......... really weird. The dealer now has a phone # that is hooked to my answering machine, no unsolicited texts, maintenance reminders or sales event notifications.
On my Taco, I was getting all kinds of reminders for scheduling maintenance, started getting emails from Toyota dealers about sales and other unsolicited stuff. I canceled the app subscription and magically they disappeared. I also requested the dealer to delete my cell phone number from their database due to all the unsolicited calls and texts, they deleted my Taco's VIN from their database. I drove to the dealers for an oil change and had the Maintenance Manager look up my VIN on his system and all the records were still there, but the scheduler could not locate my VIN in the system.......... really weird. The dealer now has a phone # that is hooked to my answering machine, no unsolicited texts, maintenance reminders or sales event notifications.
Log into the Toyota app, click account in the upper right, click on "account", "data privacy portal", select your vehicle, and that will list every "data consent" that you accepted prior. There you can change your answers.
Not too worried about my drive data, TBH. 99% chance that Toyota will use it to understand how people are using the vehicles and use that data in developing the vehicle spec of the next iteration of the Land Cruiser. "Our data shows that Land Cruisers spend a lot of time at Costco... should we include a membership with purchase?"
Not too worried about my drive data, TBH. 99% chance that Toyota will use it to understand how people are using the vehicles and use that data in developing the vehicle spec of the next iteration of the Land Cruiser. "Our data shows that Land Cruisers spend a lot of time at Costco... should we include a membership with purchase?"
This is a very legitimate concern. Many automobile manufacturers sell the information to Insurance companies who use it to adjust your rates. With all the false positive safety sense braking, etc, this ususally ends up in higher consumer rates.
I opted out when I picked up my vehicle and strongly advise others to do the same.
At the top right of your Toyota App tap on the little person figure
Under your name, tap on Account
Scroll down and tap on Data Privacy Portal
Decline Insure Connect
** Updated 6/25/24: Optional - DECLINE DRIVE PULSE (see discussion below)
I opted out when I picked up my vehicle and strongly advise others to do the same.
At the top right of your Toyota App tap on the little person figure
Under your name, tap on Account
Scroll down and tap on Data Privacy Portal
Decline Insure Connect
** Updated 6/25/24: Optional - DECLINE DRIVE PULSE (see discussion below)
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In the modern era every corporation is in the data business. I can't remember what manufacturer it was but one of the auto companies (I think Ford) made more money in a year selling data than they did cars recently. Even if you turn off the app data, they will be collecting data off your car itself. You cant turn it all off. It's just life now.
Every app on your phone is doing the same. Not to mention the manufacturer, Google, cell provider, etc. If interested in that you can take a look at sparkforge.pro. They have a good 10 step guide to restricting data permissions on cell phones.
Regardless though there's no real way to avoid it now. You can only try to make it harder for them.
Every app on your phone is doing the same. Not to mention the manufacturer, Google, cell provider, etc. If interested in that you can take a look at sparkforge.pro. They have a good 10 step guide to restricting data permissions on cell phones.
Regardless though there's no real way to avoid it now. You can only try to make it harder for them.
This is what comes of it.
They’re using the data to self select drivers that are unlikely to wreck. They offer slightly lower rates to statistically low risk customers, those customers save a little bit of money, and on aggregate don’t wreck a lot, and Toyota makes money. It’s a simple law of averages.
If you are a conservative driver under city conditions, it may well be worth sharing the data. I've had enough false braking interventions on my Lexus that I'm not willing to risk it. To each his own... At least it is good to be aware that the data is being collected and how it will be used.
Companies will sell just about anything to anybody. Many companies use underwriters etc........ Hats off to people who like their information out there to be used however the third party chooses. I don't want your extended services, I don't care if I qualify for a cheaper interest rate ..... because I don't owe anybody, really don't want to take advantage of your sale and for goodness sakes I don't want to trade in the vehicle I just purchased a year ago.
I believe in..... If I wanted your services, I would have contacted you....... I didn't so, don't bother me.
I believe in..... If I wanted your services, I would have contacted you....... I didn't so, don't bother me.
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To add - the only time your data is shared from Toyota to any other party is when insurance connect is enabled, which is an explicit separate opt in.
All other functions don’t share data to entities outside of Toyota. Service connect shares with your dealer for service and recall scheduling.
we’re pretty user friendly in terms of data privacy if you make sure to opt out.
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #11
Can you review what each consent/functions actually mean?
I.E. ... Like drive pulse... What is it? and why would I need to decline or accept it?
Do they explain what the consents are actually for?
It is different per vehicle and head unit type.
Drive pulse is toyota's driver scoring metric for safe driving behaviors. the data from Drive Pulse doesn't get shared anywhere unless you have insurance connect on, which shares it with insurance partners so you get safe driving discounts. The data isn't sold to any third parties except for the insurance provides listed in the insurance connect consents.
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #13
So glad you asked... Consent was obtained by the salesman during the vehicle orientation process. I declined Insure Connect at that point. On further consideration of your question, I re-reviewed the Drive Pulse consent and decided to decline. I see no point in sharing that information with Toyota. Here is what it says in the app:
You have to enable My Drives in order for them to sell driving data and according to MyRadar less than 1% of people have opted in. Now, it’s up to everyone to determine if they believe this. I checked my app and it was not toggled on. (Go to the long range forecast screen by pulling down and scrolling all the way to the bottom)
Then go to the gear icon in the bottom right of the main screen and click the gear. Go to privacy settings and make sure the toggle is turned on for do not sell my data to 3rd parties.
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Couldn’t agree more.
Yea.. great info.. but I sent a message to MyRadar by leaving a ‘nastygram’ review in the AppStore, and deleting the app.. they will always find away around our preferences, when tempted by ‘big money’.
Completely understand. I use it all the time and grandfathered in to no sub since I purchased features before they went subscription.
Reality is most peoples phones have multiple apps that listen in on your phone calls and even just listen while it’s sitting there. We have conversations all the time with phones off and shortly after start seeing ads served up. I have zero social media apps installed on my phone. They have our data whether we like it or not until we get stricter privacy laws like the EU and even then you constantly have to opt out
Reality is most peoples phones have multiple apps that listen in on your phone calls and even just listen while it’s sitting there. We have conversations all the time with phones off and shortly after start seeing ads served up. I have zero social media apps installed on my phone. They have our data whether we like it or not until we get stricter privacy laws like the EU and even then you constantly have to opt out
