Volkswagen’s bad streak: We know where your car is

Volkswagen has landed in hot water once again. A recent investigation by the Chaos Computer Club (CCC) reveals that the company has been systematically collecting and storing movement data from hundreds of thousands of vehicles across its brands (VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat). The data, which includes detailed location information and even vehicle owner details, was left exposed and unprotected on the internet for an extended period of time.

This breach has affected not just private car owners but also corporate fleets, executives, and even police authorities across Europe. Sensitive data on government and military activity was also discovered, including information from the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) parking lot and a U.S. Air Force military base.

The data collected by VW’s subsidiary, Cariad, includes precise timestamps and location information, such as when the ignition was turned off. This kind of data, when connected with personal details, offers insights into everything from employee movements to surveillance activities.

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