Google Denies Claims That Android Auto Spies On Users

Google has denied claims that Android Auto, its operating system for in-car entertainment, spies on users. A report from Motor Trend magazine stated that Porsche had chosen not to use Android Auto in its newest cars over privacy concerns, instead opting to use Apple CarPlay.

In an overview of 2017’s iteration of the Porsche 911, Motor Trend’s Jonny Lieberman wrote: “as part of the agreement an automaker would have to enter with Google” to include Android Auto. “Certain pieces of data must be collected and mailed back to Mountain view, California. Stuff like vehicle speed, throttle position, coolant and oil temperature, engine revs – basically Google wants a complete OBD2 [onboard diagnostics] dump whenever someone activates Android Auto. Apple, by way of stark contrast, only wants to know if the car is moving while CarPlay is in use.

However, Google is disputing the report, specifically denying the claims that it collected “throttle position, oil temperature and coolant temperature.”

In an official statement, the company said: “We take privacy very seriously and do not collect the data the Motor Trend article claims such as throttle position, oil temp and coolant temp. Users opt in to share information with Android Auto that improves their experience, so the system can be hands-free when in drive and provide more accurate navigation through the car’s GPS.”

The opt-in Google is referring to is similar to the method used by Android phones, allowing users to choose the data sharing that they are comfortable with when they set up their car.

It’s difficult to know who is telling the truth in this case. According to TechCrunch, when Google initially approached automakers concerning Android Auto, it requested a deeper data set than what is currently required. Porsche could have made the decision at that time to stop working with Google and instead focus on CarPlay. However, it isn’t clear when this early conversation occurred. It’s only known that Google publicly announced Android Auto at Google I/O in June 2014.

We’ll continue to watch this story to see if additional information comes to light.