Regulatory options for vehicle telematics devices: balancing driver safety, data privacy and data security

This article seeks to address the issue of the regulation of telematics in vehicles. The objective is to navigate the need to protect data privacy and data security while enhancing road safety through telematics. Vehicles telematics devices utilizing analytical and predictive technology can help identify and reduce the risk of dangerous driving. Such devices are a growing tool in the insurance industry and amongst vehicle manufacturers, allowing safe driving to be rewarded whilst dangerous driving can be penalized. Data generated through telematics can also be of use to traffic authorities and governments to help with traffic management and planning. As such, the EU is planning to mandate the use of such devices. The growing use of telematics has, however, faced major data privacy and data security concerns. The article evaluates regulatory responses from the US and EU, highlighting specific European countries. The purpose is to find an effective balance through comparative analysis between driver safety, data privacy and data security.