Posted on 03/25/2005 3:00:39 AM PST by BigSkyFreeper
BISMARCK, N.D. -- Raymon Holmberg didn't know his new sedan came equipped with the long arm of the law. The dealer hadn't bothered to mention the "black box," a computer chip that stores information on speed and seat belt use.
"When I bought my car," he said, "I didn't realize I was also buying a highway patrolman to sit in the back seat."
Holmberg, a state senator, believes his privacy was violated and is taking aim at black boxes. Lawmakers in 10 other states are also hoping to regulate black boxes, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...
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| Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, testifies before the House Transportation Committee at the Capitol in Bismarck, N.D., Thursday, March 3, 2005. Holmberg asked the committee to support a bill he is sponsoring that would ban the use of an automobile's "black box" data in court. Holmberg said black boxes threaten privacy, and the car and truck owner should control who has access to the information. (AP Photo/Will Kincaid) |
This is going to be interesting to watch unfold.
Its a definite violation of privacy.
The info on the black box can also be used against you by the manufacturer to void your car warranty.I didnt realise what was on the thing till I took a new truck to the dealer and he hooked up his laptop.
Those who pay for onstar are giving up their privacy and paying for it, If thats what they want to do thats fine , but they should realise what they are paying for.
I was under the impression that On star and 'the Black Box' are two entirely different things.
There are some really good things about On Star technology, too. If my Grandchildren had been kidnapped and were being transported in a vehicle with On Star, I'd think it was the most fantastic gizmo in the world.
On Star and the black box ARE two different things, I was trying to point out that if you enroll in On Star you are basically signing on to give up your privacy, while with the black box you are giving it up involuntarily and for some without that knowledge.
You can buy software and a link cable that will do some pretty kewl things with your OBD II interface.
What with location services and car black boxes, I'd be sure to have my phone and car corroborate my alibi if I ever were to really need one.
thank you for that clarification.
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