Dutch Intelligence Warns Modern Cars Are Spying on Drivers

Where Vehicle Telemetry Travels

While vehicle manufacturers typically retain primary access to onboard telemetry and user logs, the AIVD warns that data frequently reaches third parties. Dealerships, leasing companies, repair garages, software developers, component suppliers, and cloud storage providers all process vehicle-generated information. Foreign intelligence services actively target this data stream either by requesting access directly from automakers or by launching targeted cyberattacks against vehicle systems.

To mitigate surveillance and data harvesting risks, the AIVD advises high-risk personnel—including government officials and corporate executives with access to classified details—to avoid discussing confidential matters inside or immediately outside modern cars. Because exterior cameras map surrounding environments constantly, the intelligence agency recommends that users carefully evaluate whether their travel routes include sensitive locations.

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Infotainment Vulnerabilities

The advisory outlines specific technical precautions for drivers connecting personal electronics to vehicle infotainment units. The AIVD recommends avoiding Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing between mobile phones and car dashboards. Wireless charging pads also introduce potential security exposure, prompting a recommendation to use physical cables paired with a data blocker device to prevent unauthorized data transfers.

Infotainment navigation systems present additional privacy vulnerabilities. Users should carefully weigh what names or destination addresses they input into built-in GPS units, particularly when driving to secure facilities.

Why Total Deactivation Remains Impossible

Certain vehicle hardware components—such as telematics modules handling traffic updates, factory software updates, built-in GPS trackers, and communication links tied to electric vehicle charging stations—function continuously, making user-level deactivation nearly impossible.

Evaluating Connected Cars for Classified Travel

Given that complete disconnection from modern automotive networks is often unfeasible, the AIVD suggests that individuals handling sensitive state or corporate information evaluate whether utilizing connected vehicles is appropriate at all. When planning trips to classified locations or transporting high-value personnel, risk assessments should factor in the inherent data collection capabilities embedded in modern transportation infrastructure.