OnStar is watching you....

Phrede · 09-26-2011, 09:36 PM

FYI
http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/26/tech....htm?hpt=hp_t2

ccclarke · 09-26-2011, 11:11 PM

Vehicle tracking shouldn't be the biggest worry for OnStar-equipped vehicles; with it's onboard microphone and communications link, OnStar can remotely listen in and record conversations within the vehicle.

I disconnected my microphone and OnStar antenna as soon as I bought my car.

It's amazing how much privacy we've inadvertantly given up over the years. . .

Old style wall phones can be enabled when "on hook." Cell phones can also be remotely activated as listening devices even when turned off. The only way to maintain your privacy with one is to remove the battery.

CCC

Comfortzone · 09-27-2011, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccclarke

Vehicle tracking shouldn't be the biggest worry for OnStar-equipped vehicles; with it's onboard microphone and communications link, OnStar can remotely listen in and record conversations within the vehicle.

I disconnected my microphone and OnStar antenna as soon as I bought my car.

It's amazing how much privacy we've inadvertantly given up over the years. . .

Old style wall phones can be enabled when "on hook." Cell phones can also be remotely activated as listening devices even when turned off. The only way to maintain your privacy with one is to remove the battery.

CCC

I could care less if anyone heard my conversations or tracked me, but it looks like they had a change of heart:

OnStar kills plan to track ex-subscribers

http://jalopnik.com/5844322/

Phrede · 09-27-2011, 08:02 PM

Thanks for the link.

I'm a bit more concerned about my right to privacy.

XFireXLR · 09-27-2011, 08:34 PM

We all like to believe that we have a right to our privacy. The terms "right" and "privacy" are subjective and mean different things to different people. In this age of information technology, terrorism and cyber-terrorism nothing is private anymore. Most of our personal information is held by American banks in third world countries. Anyone with a credit card and a shipping address can get NSA/CIA/FBI grade espionage tools. With Homeland Security, although a good thing many facets are running without any regulation and in many cases misusing thier authority and jurisdiction. OnStar should be the least of our worries.

Lola's Mom · 09-27-2011, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFireXLR

We all like to believe that we have a right to our privacy. The terms "right" and "privacy" are subjective and mean different things to different people. In this age of information technology, terrorism and cyber-terrorism nothing is private anymore. Most of our personal information is held by American banks in third world countries. Anyone with a credit card and a shipping address can get NSA/CIA/FBI grade espionage tools. With Homeland Security, although a good thing many facets are running without any regulation and in many cases misusing thier authority and jurisdiction. OnStar should be the least of our worries.

C'mon .... whatever the interpretation 'It ain't right!' ..... there has to be some place for privacy - your car and your home should be out of bounds. Period.

XFireXLR · 09-28-2011, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lola's Mom

C'mon .... whatever the interpretation 'It ain't right!' ..... there has to be some place for privacy - your car and your home should be out of bounds. Period.

I agree 100% with you, but they are not. Its sad that we have to live this way. if you were able to see some of the info that the government has on each and everyone of us you would be surprised.

Crimson Pearl · 09-28-2011, 09:47 AM

They're going to be pretty bored listening to our conversations......

Lola's Mom · 09-28-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFireXLR

I agree 100% with you, but they are not. Its sad that we have to live this way. if you were able to see some of the info that the government has on each and everyone of us you would be surprised.

I know that. Detail Guy has been in law enforcement for over 40 years - I also know that innocent actions and remarks can be misconstrued .... and mountains built from mole hills .... But - it should have been made CLEAR when you bought the vehicle equipped with OnStar that it was already an active tracking device that was invading your privacy and what its capabilities were. That it's in your car, or on your phone, or in your home - that option should be a choice. Dang - Big Brother.

XFireXLR · 09-28-2011, 06:57 PM

Unfortunately freedom comes at a price, even more so these days. Here is another thing that will knock your socks off, under the blanket of Homeland Security your calls from your home phone/cell phone can be and are monitored. Big Brother is bigger these days and has the best that technology has to offer.

Lola's Mom · 09-28-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFireXLR

Unfortunately freedom comes at a price, even more so these days. Here is another thing that will knock your socks off, under the blanket of Homeland Security your calls from your home phone/cell phone can be and are monitored. Big Brother is bigger these days and has the best that technology has to offer.

No doubt - and I know that's true. That doesn't make it right.

Phrede · 09-28-2011, 09:54 PM

I understand there is a price to freedom. However, I believe we are getting very close to, if not already past it in some respects, going over the line in the name of terrorist protection. There are certain rights that make up freedom so where should the line be drawn regarding personal privacy?

The swinging pendulum of life's issues never stops in the middle. Once things get to the point of being intolerable to the silent majority they will no longer be silent and things will get better.