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As someone who makes a living by engineering technology every day, it's an interesting concept to ponder.
On one hand, technology has made our lives easier, safer and more efficient. Perfect example above, OnStar automatically dispatched emergency services when a driver was knocked unconscious. I think we'd all agree that's a win. Or even this website, has helped me numerous times with solving issues on my truck...another win.
Then on the other hand, you have the above...where that same technology can be used against you. But, one could argue that it's not right to lie about an accident...and if I were the other driver in the above hypothetical situation, I'd be happy to know that the claim adjuster got the story straight and held the proper person accountable.
Then again, no matter what the intention is, you can take the surveillance state idealism way too far. Example...China's Social Credit System. Cruise around on Google to learn more, but basically, China is rolling out a system now that monitors numerous aspects of every citizens life and using that data to make trust based decisions....such as allowing you to travel or get a loan. Some of the factors monitored are pretty wild; you play too many online video games, point deduction. You jaywalk, point deduction. But it goes the other way too...attend a pro china government rally, point increase. Pay your taxes early, point increase.
So what are we willing to sacrifice for convenience, safety and efficiency? And is it fair to effectively force the general public into these sacrifices, for the good of us all? I mean sure, you don't HAVE to use the internet or a smart phone...but doing business without that today is difficult, if not impossible in many ways. (Example: You can't rent movies any more without a credit card...even if you don't use the internet and go to a red box...and there's no such thing as blockbuster anymore)
And even still, what if I'm ok with one company having my location information...like OnStar, but not another? No company is hack-proof, it's only a matter of time before that data gets out. But will it be important or relevant enough by that time for someone to use against me?
Honestly, I think the best thing you can do is educate yourself and have that awareness. Then you can decide what you're willing to live with.
Here's something to consider: Google is a for profit company, so by definition, they sell a product for profit. But then how can they give away all these great services, like gmail and chrome, for free? It's because they do sell a product...YOU. More specifically, your data IS their product...and whenever you use their services, you agree that they can sell your data as they please. Food for thought.
And if that's not enough...I've had to testify in court on two separate occasions about mobile device management on personal cellular devices...that's a fun story.
sorry, I didn’t mean to start a large scale debate...just sort of tumbled down the rabbit hole. I apologize.
My 2016 with Sync 3 rats me out to Ford Frequently! With, I am sure, some kind of sick cyber pleasure! Actually Ford is quite forthcoming about what they collect, when they collect data, why they snoop, and exactly what they use to do their snooping with. If you want to make it difficult for Ford to look around your, "connected," Expy. Never allow it to connect to a WiFi signal, Ford says that connection is what they prefer, so they don't blow up your data plan! Least they are considerate, n thinking about cha! I do ponder this, when is Ford going to use dealership WiFi to diagnose and fix stuff, move away from the temperamental OBII system? Then, perhaps I could keep up with what the mechanic is really doing to my truck. Never much liked reckless abandon or blind faith.
The amount of folks on here who have given up on their rights to privacy is disturbing...
Remember: just because Google and Apple are doing it doesn't make it acceptable, nor does it mean that you should just bend over and take it from the rear end!
(I like the tinfoil hat meme... sponsored by Google to discredit free thinking, I take it?)
To which I am compelled to add. When you sell your technically empowered Expy. Do yourself a huge favor! Turn off your cellphone, or get it far enough away it cannot possibly reconnect. Then preform a total system reset and reboot. My former owner, and the dealer failed to do this, I get it, and now know enough stuff about the former owner, his Family, the entire family, even his college bound daughters! His 2 golden Retrievers names, back to the family, I know their phone numbers, each phones undeleted text messages, call logs, contacts, saved addresses to qualify me as a long lost grandpa! At the very least, I could be a creepy old coot! Humans are funny! Panic about what our vehicle technology is gathering up about us! Trade it in! To heck with what the car is finding out. This previous owner gave me, practically, the keys to their kingdom! Taught me a huge lesson, not only delete the data from your trade, before relinquishing the keys! Remember that rental you used on your last trip, guess what it probably snatched from you, and your phone, and is ready and willing to pass on to the next renter. Can't say, I didn't know now! Cause now you do! Reset, delete, reboot! Twice to be shure it's gone, all gone! Shame on me for thinking this kind of thing was fixed, no phones data could survive in the vehicle with out the phone. That's not the case at all!Fair enough
But to get back to the subject...does the Gen3 collect information about you?
To the best of my knowledge...
1. According the owner’s manual, the truck does keep a running record of various mechanical logs related to vehicle function (such as vehicle speed, seat belt status, etc.) that can be accessed by law enforcement or other professionals using the proper tools. (folks here have already mentioned the “black box”) As I understand it, this data is not transmitted outside the vehicle and must be accessed via the OBDII port using a special scan tool. I do not know of any way to disable that functionality. It may not even be possible to do so, as there may be some legal requirements for such functionality; I honestly don’t know, that would require more research. You can find the legal notice for the event recorder in your owners manual.
2. Gen 3 Expys did not have the option to include a cellular modem or other cellular telematics from the factory. You can however add this functionality with devices such as Ford Pass Connect or Ford Custom Accessories Cellular Remote Start, but it requires an additional piece of hardware post production.
3. Gen 3 Expys DO have WiFi capabilities from the factory. It is used for updating the SYNC software, navigation maps and other various software updates. However, you have the option to turn this off.
4. Gen 3 Expys DO have satellite receivers and decoders for SiriusXM radio and SiriusXM data functionality (I.e. Sirius Live Weather and Traffic), but I do not believe they have satellite modems for talking back, it’s receive only.
5. Gen 3 Expys do have the ability to receive transmissions on the FM and AM radio bands, including HD Radio digital transmissions and metadata embedded into FM radio transmissions. (Radio Data Services or RDS; used for providing station information, current song information and localized traffic data for use within GPS systems) However, I do not believe there are any transmission capabilities on these bands, it’s receive only. I also believe you have the option to turn off HD Radio and RDS functionality.
6. Gen 3 Expys do have a feature called 911 Assist within SYNC, which will automatically dial emergency services using your connected mobile device, in the event of an airbag deployment or other crash sensor activation. When you first connect a device, I believe you are asked if you want to turn this feature on. Regardless, you have the option of turning it off.
7. Parking sensors, keyless entry and blind spot sensors do transmit some form of radio wavelength to operate, but their range is incredibly short and it’s highly unlikely that it includes transmit any personally identifiable information.
8. Gen 3 Expys do have a microphone in the cabin for hands free telephony and a camera on the rear tailgate for backup camera functionality. To the best of my knowledge, these devices are only active when being used and do not have any data storage capabilities.
9. Gen 3 Expys do have Bluetooth radios included from the factory for cellular phone or other Bluetooth enabled device connectivity. You have the option to turn this off.
10. Gen 3 Expys do have USB connectivity ports which can be used to connect cellular phones, media players or other USB compatible devices. You have the option to not use USB devices.
Could there be some secret thing doing something that FoMoCo doesn’t tell anyone? Sure, but the same could be said about anything you buy today. If such a thing existed and was discovered, FoMoCo’s brand would be severely damaged and lawsuits would fly.
All this said and assuming your concerns are centered around personal privacy; if you turn off the WiFi networking, turn off the Bluetooth radios and do not connect your mobile device to the truck, it’s probably safe to assume no personally identifiable data is being transmitted from your vehicle.
The answers above are a hobbyist opinion and best attempt to answer the questions provided. I encourage you to make your own conclusions. I do not encourage or advise you to use the information above as a basis for any legal proceeding or for the purpose of committing a crime.
