Spy Modules

[Al]

I read recently that many new cars have spy modules in them. That is
they record your speed, deployment of air bag, use of seat belts and
other data that may be used in court against you.

Are thye present in Subarus? And if so, how can you either disable them
or spoof them?

Al

 

[Alan]

They also record your fingerprints. And the ones with OnStar record every
word you say.

 

[Dominic Richens]

I read recently that many new cars have spy modules in them. That is
they record your speed, deployment of air bag, use of seat belts and
other data that may be used in court against you.

! That's an interesting attitude ! The way I see it, since I generally obey
the law and am a careful driver that little box contains data that will most
likely be used in court to my advantage!

Are thye present in Subarus? And if so, how can you either disable
them or spoof them?

Why, what are you hiding?

 

[dg]

I have heard of people surrounding the hard drives in their computers with
thermite, rigged to an "Oh shit, the feds are at my door!" button. I have
considered that somebody could do the same with the little black box,
wherever it may be. Get in a wreck and think you may be at fault? Burn it!

--Dan

 

[John M.]

! That's an interesting attitude ! The way I see it, since I generally
obey

the law and am a careful driver that little box contains data that will most
likely be used in court to my advantage!


Why, what are you hiding?

I agree... I have nothing to hide. I understand the systems are necessary
for the safety systems to work properly, which makes sense. There's always
the risk that the data might, at some point, be wrong. But the bottom line
is... if you don't get in trouble, there will be no one looking at the
data... so don't get in trouble. I hope that the info does start being used
in court... it will be to my advantage also.
John

 

[null]

They're not 'Spy modules'. Inherent to the design of systems such as the
air bag and OBDII diagnostics certain modules,
record up the last 5 seconds of crucial data such as acceleration, speed,
RPM. Currently these 'blackboxes' are not used alot in court but in my
IMHO they should be.

Recently there was a story (C&D I think) where a driver was involved in an
accident that killed the other driver. He hit her as she was backing out
of her driveway. He claimed he was going 50mph in a marked 30mph the air
bag system recorded his speed as 150mph!

It is against federal law to knowingly disable or modify any safety system
in a motor vehicle. It's also stupid and dangerous, this could easily
result in you air bag going off while driving or not at all.

I doubt this will turn into an Orwellian society where a Police officer
will subeona your car ECU so that they can get you on a 10mph speeding
ticket.

BTW, if you remove the computer after an accident and it is asked for, the
courts tend to see failing to produce it as you hiding something. Not good
any way you look at it.

 

[John]

Should you disable or spoof it, you'll be found guilty of tampering with
safety equipment and open a whole lot of sorrow on yer ass........not to
mention your airbag won't deploy, and the MAN will want to know why! No
matter, you'll be too hurt to care at that point.

 

[David & Caroline]

I think they record a very limited time period, and are really only useful
when trying to figure out what happened in an accident - the only case I
have heard them being used against someone was when some pinhead broadsided
another car at over 100mph (never touched the brakes) and killed them, then
in court stated they were going the speed limit and tried to stop. I for
one am happy the recorder was there, and the pinhead that got busted
deserves everything he gets (which hopefully includes a little extra for
lying under oath)

I bet the people opposed to the black box are the same ones opposed to red
light cameras...

 

[al gu]

They also record your fingerprints. And the ones with OnStar record every
word you say.

Yes they also record how many times you have sex in what seat and who you
are having sex with.
Juicy court evedence indeed.....

 

[null]

but only if you have the seat heater on.

Yes they also record how many times you have sex in what seat and who you
are having sex with.
Juicy court evedence indeed.....

 

[Al]

! That's an interesting attitude ! The way I see it, since I generally obey
the law and am a careful driver that little box contains data that will most
likely be used in court to my advantage!


Why, what are you hiding?

--

I would like an option to "opt in" for any "features" which will benefit
me. BTW, you've never read "1984" by Orwell?

In my 45 years, Gawd-has it been that long, I had only 2 accidents. And
both times I was hit in the rear while I was stopped in traffic. No spy
modules needed here.

I am in favor of technology as it has done a lot of good, but I don't
need gadgets to keep me safe. The only thing my ABS in my Outback has
done for me is to cost me $1100 to have it replaced when it failed.

Al

 

[Dominic Richens]

BTW, you've never read "1984" by Orwell?

Sure, but I thought "Animal Farm" was a better book.

 

[Matt Arvidson]

Why, what are you hiding?

I agree... I have nothing to hide. I understand the systems are necessary

<snip>

yes you do. your privacy! why should anyone capitulate to endless
intrusions by the state?

anyway, er, just be sure to wear your tinfoil suit while in the car.

m

 

[Dominic Richens]

yes you do. your privacy! why should anyone capitulate to endless
intrusions by the state?

Hey, I know you're from New Zealand!

Don't feed the Troll!!!