Montana AG investigates auto companies over selling customer data claims

HELENA, Mont. — An investigation has been launched into Ford Motor Company and Stellantis N.V. after reports revealed the automakers collected personal driving data and sold it to outside companies, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said in a release.

Knudsen brought the case under Montana’s Consumer Protection Act, which his office said was meant to protect Montanans’ online personal and financial information. The press release said the reported buyers included data and insurance companies such as LexisNexis and Verisk Analytics.

The attorney general’s office said a Civil Investigative Demand gave both companies one month to respond. Knudsen also demanded records showing what products, services or platforms collected driving data, personal information and vehicle data that was then sold, licensed or shared with third parties.

Knudsen said the concern was whether drivers knew this information was being gathered and shared.

“It appears vehicle owners are unaware that their driving data is being collected and sold to third parties without their consent. If true, this deceitful practice raises serious consumer protection concerns and is also a violation of state law,” said Attorney General Knudsen. “My office is committed to ensuring companies are following Montana law.”