Article URL: https://ma.tt/2026/07/tesla-spyware/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49136134 Points: 7 # Comments: 0

I noticed my Model X was uploading ~2.6gb of something to Tesla when it parked and connected to WiFi. Hopefully turning all these settings off stops it; otherwise, I might need a new car. But are any good? I’ve been looking at EVs recently and I’d highlight recommend the Renault Scenic E-Tech, if you can find it in the US. It comes out well in that privacy report, has the same range as a Tesla, but a much better build. Great Company – greater appetite for our data?! · Surveillance will be the major issue we’ll have to grapple with in the future. · Every person—who until now was more of a citizen, upon whose shoulders democracy and (more or less harmonious) coexistence rested – is increasingly viewed merely as a suspect, a potential criminal, an extremist, or a terrorist who should – and must – be comprehensively monitored at every turn! · If you want privacy, you might still be able to „enjoy“ it within gated communities – as a privilege reserved for the wealthy. · May be we should altogether begin writing a new book for this era – „2099“ would be my suggested title. · Written by a collective of „outgrown“ authors and AI models who feel called to this task, in order to lay our old world to rest.⚰️ · What kind of world do we want to live in in the future? Weird that today when you buy a new car the first thing you have to do is adjust your privacy settings. For a while, car makers were selling driving data to insurance companies. People got surprised by insurance hikes based on their driving habits, and this blew up into a PR disaster. You can still opt into those programs, though. I’ve a lovely Kia EV6 since it was launched – lovely to drive and very good with battery. But every now and again, it’ll update the software remotely and then require you to accept the new terms and conditions or it doesn’t allow you to use the entertainment system which controls much more (like settings for safety etc) – so if you’re in a rush and it pops up, you have to click ‘accept’!