The little black box in your car

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What is the proper role of “black boxes” in automobiles? I believe they should be used to make the design and manufacturing of cars safer, not to spy on us.

Years ago, I went crazy when a car rental company in New England tracked people via the Event Data Recorders (EDRs) in the automobiles. The company was doing this so they could fine those who crossed state lines in breach of the rental contract. I thought that was an improper use of the technology.

It’s abundantly clear that we need key rules on this. The purpose of a black box in a car should be to improve the safety of those cars. It should not be used by police to find guilty criminal parties. Nor should it be used by companies to track your movements and charge you more money. It should simply be used to make vehicles safer.

What do you think?

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