Ford sets out a privacy promise ahead of its next connected cars

Ford sets out a privacy promise ahead of its next connected cars

2 November 2026: Ford has published what it calls a "privacy promise", an "explicit commitment" to keep vehicle data safe and let customers control what they share, along with a website explaining what it collects and how to change the settings. The move comes as it prepares more connected vehicles on its upcoming universal electric vehicle platform.

Not yet independently verified. Ford's own pages refused our requests, so we have not read the promise or the new website, and this rests on TechCrunch's report and its interview with Ford's chief privacy officer. We will update this when it can be confirmed, and remove this note.

What Ford says it will and will not do

The clearest statement came from Kristin Jones, Ford's chief privacy officer, in an interview with TechCrunch. "We also do not share information about how our customers are driving their vehicles to data brokers," she said. Ford also says the information will not be used for purposes such as targeted advertising.

TechCrunch notes that the controls themselves have existed for years. What is new is the public commitment and the site, which mixes content on what data Ford collects, how it is used and how a customer opts in or out. Jones, who joined Ford in 2024 after nearly two decades working on privacy in law, finance and healthcare, called the work "a journey" lasting most of her time at the company.

Opting out has a cost

Turning off connected services in a Ford will disable features including real-time navigation and built-in access to roadside assistance, Jones said. Vehicle health data is the example Ford uses to justify collection: it tells an owner when maintenance is due, and it also will "support research and development for future technologies", which is a use that goes beyond the owner's own car.

Ford cites its own survey of 1,000 consumers, 91% of whom called data privacy a key consideration.

Why carmakers are saying this now

The announcement lands days after General Motors agreed to pay $220 million to attorneys general in 36 states over selling driver data to insurers. Rivals have noticed the opening as well: TechCrunch points to Slate Auto, the electric truck start-up, which has made privacy part of its pitch ahead of launch.

Questions for fleet operators

A promise aimed at consumers does not settle the position of a company running Ford vans or cars. Fleet buyers should ask whether the same commitments apply to data handled through commercial telematics contracts, and which party can switch off connected services on a company vehicle given the features that go with them. The driving data statement is limited to data brokers, so it is worth asking in writing about other recipients such as insurers.

Ford in our catalogue

Ford is listed among our car makers, with the Mustang Mach-E in our electric cars category.

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Sources

• TechCrunch: Ford launches a privacy promise and explains how and why it uses customer data, 2 November 2026