Privacy concerns: Vehicle data accessible through messaging app

I’m really worried about our privacy. I just found out there’s this chat bot on a popular messaging app that can give out personal info about vehicle owners. All you need is the registration number!

When I tried it with my car’s plate, it showed:

  • My full name
  • My dad’s name
  • Our home address
  • Engine and chassis numbers

It’s scary how much they know. They even say they can get phone numbers, but luckily mine didn’t show up.

This comes right after that vaccine website leak. It feels like our personal info is up for grabs. How can we protect ourselves? Are there any laws against this kind of thing?

Has anyone else tried this bot? What was your experience? I’m curious if it’s just as detailed for everyone or if I’m unlucky.

I’ve encountered similar issues with data privacy, and it’s indeed concerning. While I haven’t used this specific bot, I’ve seen comparable services that access vehicle information. The accessibility of such data highlights the need for stronger privacy protections.

In many jurisdictions, this level of data sharing without consent is illegal. You might want to report this to your local data protection authority or consumer rights organization. They can investigate and potentially take action against the app or data provider.

To protect yourself, consider limiting the personal information you provide when registering vehicles. Some jurisdictions allow the use of PO boxes or alternate addresses. Also, regularly check your credit report and online presence for any unauthorized data usage.

Remember, just because data is accessible doesn’t mean it’s legal or ethical to access it. Stay vigilant and advocate for stronger data protection laws in your area.

yikes, that’s pretty freaky. i tried it with my neighbor’s car (don’t judge lol) and it showed a bunch of stuff too. Makes me paranoid about what else is out there. maybe we should all start using fake names and adresses? wonder if the govmt even cares bout this stuff

I’ve actually been dealing with this issue firsthand recently. Last month, I discovered my vehicle info was accessible through a similar service. It’s deeply unsettling how easily our personal data can be obtained.

What I’ve done since then is contact my local DMV to inquire about privacy options. They informed me that in some cases, you can request to have certain information restricted from public access. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a start.

I’ve also been more cautious about sharing info when registering my vehicle or dealing with auto-related services. Using a P.O. box for mailing address has helped add a layer of privacy.

This situation really highlights the need for updated data protection laws. Our current regulations seem to lag behind the rapid pace of technology and data sharing. Until then, we need to be proactive about guarding our personal information as best we can.