Illustrating the point that cars are now not just a means of transport, but also a major data hub, the state of Texas has instigated court proceedings against General Motors, for collecting data about the driving habits and selling it on to insurers. 

The prosecutors say that GM has installed “spying technology” in some 14 million Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick cars. This technology collected data on individual driver habits, which was then sold on to insurers without consent from the driver.   

The state of Texas alleges that insurers then used the data to create driving scores. The technology came from an OnStar diagnostics system which has apparently been in use since 2015. 

Texas attorney general Ken Paxton said "Companies are using invasive technology to violate the rights of our citizens in unthinkable ways. Our investigation revealed that General Motors has engaged in egregious business practices that violated Texans' privacy and broke the law. We will hold them accountable."