Black boxes in cars raise privacy concerns

Black boxes in cars raise privacy concerns.

-- Tom

 

I dont see a problem of having your local mechanic remove it.

 

The regulatory environment can counter that by making them a "required safety device" which must be in proper working order to pass inspection, imposing misdemeanor charges for removing them, viewing their removal very unfavorably in court cases and tending to rule against litigants who remove them, etc.

The insurance industry can counter that by making them something which if removed invalidates your coverage, something that is checked/monitored in some way, etc.

The car manufacturers can counter that by integrating the black box functionality with other essential computers or, if it is a separate removable component, designing things so that your car goes into limp mode if the separate box is not responding as expected.

Given how flexible/powerful technology is and the way it can be visibly and invisibly weaved into laws, those things we rely upon to earn a living, our everyday lives, etc it can be or at least become something that is practically impossible to use without the offensive aspects. Eventually there is only one option... to avoid it. Which of course may not be possible, or at least practical, let alone desirable. Nearly everyone can understand the "slippery slope" concept, but I really think most need to experience it in action and over many years... actually see how those small steps add up to a big change... in order to truly appreciate how important it is to fight against each and every step down it. Especially, *especially*, the early ones.