GM’s New In-Car Cameras Could Be Watching Passengers

So, let's talk about something that feels a little like we're living in the opening scenes of a dystopian movie. Your car may already know where you're going. It knows when you're low on gas. It connects to your phone. And now, depending on what you're driving, it might be watching the people inside it, too.

GM’s Cabin Glance Technology Watches the Backseat

GM Authority and Ford Authority are reporting that General Motors is expanding the use of cameras and recording technology inside some of its vehicles. GM has been rolling out features called Cabin Glance, Security Recording, and Surround Vision Recorder on select Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models.

Cabin Glance lets drivers see people in the second and third rows without turning around. Michigan-based GM says it doesn't record or store video. But the other features take things a little further.

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GM Authority reports that Surround Vision Recorder can capture and save video from the vehicle's cameras while it's running. Security Recording can activate when the alarm goes off, capturing footage from exterior cameras and an interior camera.

GM Says Customers Must Opt Into Vehicle Recording

GM says customers have to opt in, the company doesn't collect or have access to the recordings, and the footage is saved locally. There's also no audio recording. But still, you can understand why some people are asking questions.
If somebody hops into your vehicle, do they know they could potentially be on camera?

An attorney quoted by GM Authority raised that exact concern. And that's where this starts feeling a little creepy.

Cameras Are Becoming Common Inside Modern Vehicles

Ford Authority points out that cameras are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles, used for parking, security, driver monitoring and more. So this isn't exactly new.

The cameras are just getting closer. Outside the car, inside the car, watching the road, watching the driver and also watching the passengers. And while GM says these features are optional and designed for security and convenience, technology rarely gets less invasive.

Where Will This New Surveillance Camera Craze Go Next?

Today's camera checks on the kids in the backseat. Tomorrow? Your car might know who rode with you, where you went, how long you stayed, and whether you stopped at Taco Bell at 11:45 at night. Actually, that last one might already be happening.