If we want to see the dream of smart cities become a reality, we must consider drivers' concern regarding data privacy and safety
Urban living and traffic congestion have become almost unanimous. We have come to think of traffic jams as one of the prices we pay for living in the city. But is that unavoidable? As electric cars become more common and prevalent on the road, so does more data become available, which—if gathered correctly and delivered conveniently—can alter the dynamic between vehicles and the road.
There is a reason why most, if not all, drivers are familiar with the term “road rage” (many of them from first-hand experience). Driving in the city can be a very stressful experience. The reasons for such anxiety are abundant: difficulty of navigation, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, desperate search for parking, arbitrary traffic lights functionality, poor weather conditions, and more.
Real-Time Data from Connected Cars
While the need for better solutions to the problems that plague transportation in the city has been established, the proper solution remains in question. Data collected from connected cars enables the creation of a wide variety of accurate, optimized, data-driven solutions for improved efficiency, mobility, and safety – especially in urban environments.
But in order to enjoy the fruits of these emerging technological solutions, we must make sure that their adoption is managed responsibly and professionally, taking into account understandable fears and concerns raised by drivers regarding information safety and privacy.
Neutrality in Automotive Data Services
One of the concerns regarding the use of information from electric cars with the emergence of smart cities is – who owns the information and what are their intentions.
It is of the utmost importance that the data is accumulated and distributed to the relevant entities by a neutral third party which can earn the trust of the car industry and drivers alike. In this way, the interests of both sides can be taken into account, while continuing to drive forward.
Compliance with Rules and Regulations
All the information gathered from connected vehicles must be compliant with privacy regulations, such as the European Union’s Regulation (EU) 2018/858, GDPR, CCPA and others. Complying with multiple regulations is immensely complex and costly. When different OEMs need to do so in a standardized, accessible, safe, and approved fashion, it becomes a formidable task indeed.
Thankfully, OEMs do not need to confront this challenge on their own. Otonomo aggregates car data, cleanses, normalizes, and harmonizes it – all while remaining compliant with even the strictest regulations in the market. Otonomo already collaborates with such vehicle manufacturers as Mercedes, BMW, Peugeot, Mitsubishi, Daimler, Fiat Crysler and others.
At the same time, Otonomo is committed to protecting consumers, and has built its innovative platform with a pledge to vehicle owners, whether private or commercial, to maintain their information private and safe.
Read our pledge to drivers’ privacy
Its unique place at the junction between car manufacturers and consumers allows it to offer a plethora of capabilities, which bring the dream of the smart city into life: advanced mapping, advanced urban planning, traffic and road signs management, increased safety measures and so much more.