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Your car could be keeping closer tabs on you than you realize.
That’s the takeaway from Tesla’s rapid data collection following the explosion of one of its Cybertrucks in Las Vegas earlier this week. Privacy experts acknowledge the effectiveness of Tesla’s technology but warn it raises serious questions about the balance between innovation and privacy as vehicles increasingly resemble “computers on wheels.”
Are Automakers Crossing Privacy Boundaries?
“You might support law enforcement accessing vehicle data to stop criminals, but who else might access it?” asked Jodi Daniels, CEO of Red Clover Advisors, a privacy consulting firm. “Where do we draw the line?”
Modern vehicles often collect data on a driver’s location, habits, and even personal information such as contacts, call logs, and text messages, thanks to smartphone integration.
Tesla’s data proved crucial in the Las Vegas case. The Cybertruck, packed with fireworks, exploded in front of the Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day, injuring seven and leaving the driver unrecognizable. Within hours, Tesla tracked Matthew Livelsberger’s route from Denver to Las Vegas and confirmed that the explosion stemmed from the fireworks—not the vehicle itself.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill praised Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk. “I have to thank Elon Musk, specifically,” McMahill said. “He gave us quite a bit of additional information.”
The Double-Edged Sword of Surveillance
Not everyone was as impressed. Privacy experts expressed concerns over the implications of such detailed surveillance.
“This case highlights the sweeping surveillance capabilities of connected vehicles,” said David Choffnes, executive director of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute at Northeastern University. “It’s helpful in emergencies, but also opens the door to potential misuse.”
Tesla is not alone in facing scrutiny. In August, General Motors was sued by the Texas attorney general for allegedly selling data from 1.8 million drivers to insurance companies without consent.
Tesla itself has faced controversy over its data practices. A Reuters investigation revealed that, between 2019 and 2022, employees allegedly shared sensitive footage captured by Tesla vehicle cameras, including road rage incidents and, in one instance, nudity.
Tesla did not respond to questions about its privacy policy but states on its website that it follows strict privacy guidelines. “No one but you would have knowledge of your activities, location, or a history of where you’ve been,” the company claims.
Still, Sam Abuelsamid, an auto analyst at Telemetry Insight, believes consumers need more control. “This is one of the biggest ethical challenges with modern vehicles. They’re connected, and that raises serious concerns about data usage,” he said.
Two Tragic Incidents Heighten Tensions
The Cybertruck explosion occurred just hours after another tragedy involving a rental vehicle from Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service. In New Orleans, a driver killed 15 people in what authorities are calling a terrorist attack.

In Las Vegas, tensions escalated as the smoking Cybertruck, parked near the Trump hotel entrance, burst into flames. At 1 p.m., police announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the fire had been contained and asked the public to avoid the area.
Tesla’s response was swift. “The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now,” Musk posted on X.
Over the next few hours, Tesla pieced together Livelsberger’s five-day journey across four states, tracking his charging stops in Monument, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona.
The Call for Federal Data Privacy Laws
Unlike banking or healthcare, the automotive industry lacks comprehensive federal regulations on data collection and sharing. State laws vary widely and often don’t address the complexities of connected vehicle technology.
Jodi Daniels advocates for national legislation to protect consumer privacy. “Law enforcement should have access to necessary data to solve crimes quickly,” she said. “But individuals also deserve robust privacy protections.”
As connected cars become more prevalent, the debate over balancing safety, innovation, and privacy is expected to intensify.