OnStar found itself on the center of a firestorm after it sent out an e-mail notifying customers that it planned to gather data from vehicles even after service had expired or been terminated. It’s, unless the (soon to be former) users specifically opted out. Well, in an announcement today, President Linda Marshall changed course and announced the post-subscription data collection can be opt-in just. The corporate still hoped some departing customers would volunteer to keep a connection in order that it is able to “provide former customers with urgent details about natural disasters and recalls affecting their vehicles.” (They’re just looking for you buddy.) In spite of the fact that OnStar loses out on boatloads of valuable data, at the very least the corporate do not have to hear Chuck Schumer’s public chastising to any extent further — that man lays a closer guilt trip than your mother and grandmother combined. Try out the complete announcement after the break.
Will continue to give protection to customer and vehicle data privacy
DETROIT – OnStar announced today it’s reversing its proposed Terms and prerequisites policy changes and won’t keep a knowledge connection to customers’ vehicles after the OnStar service is canceled.
OnStar recently sent e-mails to customers telling them that effective Dec. 1, their service would change in order that data from a customer vehicle would remain transmitted to OnStar after service was canceled – unless the shopper asked for it to be shut off.
“We realize that our proposed amendments failed to satisfy our subscribers,” OnStar President Linda Marshall said. “That is why we’re leaving the choice in our customers’ hands. We listened, we responded and we are hoping to take care of the trust of our greater than 6 million customers.”
If OnStar ever offers the choice of an information connection after cancellation, it might only be when a customer opted-in, Marshall said. After which OnStar would honor customers’ preferences about how data from that connection is treated.
Maintaining the info connection would have allowed OnStar to supply former customers with urgent information regarding natural disasters and recalls affecting their vehicles even after canceling their service. It also would have helped in planning future services, Marshall said.
“We regret any confusion or concern we could have caused,” Marshall said.
About OnStar
OnStar, a unconditionally owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of connected security and safety solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology. Currently available on greater than 40 MY 2011 GM models, OnStar soon may be available for installation on most other vehicles already at the road through local electronics retailers, including Best Buy. The OnStar Mobile App is a recipient of the 2011 Edison Award for Best New Product inside the Remote Driving Aids segment and OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product within the Technology segment. OnStar safely connects its greater than 6 million subscribers, within the U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. Additional information about OnStar are located at www.onstar.com.
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