RAC Onboard

[Althulas]

I received the following today from RAC, reckon it's worth a punt not that i get to use mine much these days.

The RAC would like to invite you, a valued member, to try their new telematics service first for Free.

Dear Mr Mark Saul,

As an RAC member, we really value your opinion and we want our members to try new services first. We're looking for volunteers to try out a new product for free and we'd like to hear from you if you'd like to get involved in this pilot.

As part of the pilot, vehicle information will be collected via a clever matchbox-sized device that will be professionally fitted to your car. This device connects your car to a selection of helpful RAC services, such as alerting you to any faults to help avoid car problems. These devices are already installed in our own patrol vehicles. An app on your mobile phone gives you easy access to the information.

Taking part gives you the opportunity to help shape RAC's future services, plus you can earn up to £20 by completing surveys during the pilot and even have a chance to win £200 each month as an added incentive.

If you are interested in taking part, click below and we'll be in touch with next steps as soon as possible.

Click Here To Register Your Interest

 

[GazHyde]

I would want more information on what they are collecting exactly and what they are doing with all the data. I doubt this is just about your car, and devices like this have the ability to collect more than just your fault codes. Read the small print carefully...

 

[Antm72]

Sounds a bit too big brother to me, Not something i would do by choice..

 

[Gail]

It's the future folks.....and it's already here! Various companies already have or are working on aftermarket solutions. We will see it grow rapidly as OE fit in the next few years.

 

[Low Rider]

Not by choice for me.

 

[Antm72]

I think if its stipulated fully what its for what data it collects and how it can be used then maybe.
I presume its a similar system to BMW Assist does this collect the info of fault / location /speed etc?
I imagine its similar to my van tracker at work it knows everything.
Position ,Speed ,engine running ,doors open , Running stationary not much it doesn't know about what i do in it , classed through work as for my safety. No choice as its in their interests and part of my job but i still think it would be something i wouldn't want to opt in to it seems that its more for the people that want to fit it rather than the individual that has it fitted.

 

[GazHyde]

Totally agree Gail, all manufacturers are aiming to join the IoT or Internet of Things where everything will eventually be connected in some form or another. There is a huge security problem around this kind of system though - something which some manufacturers are struggling with, or are about too once they realise exactly what they are getting in to.

At the lower end cyber criminals have already written Malware for Smart TV's. So basically it's not just your Phone, Computer, Laptop or Tablet they are after, it's any potential weak link in to your network.

It may be simple "telemetry" today, but the system will expand functionality and it will at some stage become vulnerable. Not all technology is good, and people have to start realising that.

 

[Althulas]

Well that was my concern, as I love a spirited drive as the next zedder. Would not mind if it was just for engine codes but no doubt insurance companies will be the ones getting the statistical data.

 

[Low Rider]

I wonder if the same applies to SatNav's
When manufacturers offer free map updates are they in fact collecting data about your speed to sell on to the insurance companies !

 

[ZTec]

Big brothers watching.