OnStar and Privacy - Web Chat 11/12/09 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Number 3 · 11-12-2009, 11:27 AM

For those interested, and I am guessing there are many based on the threads covering this topic, OnStar will be hosting a Web Chat on Privacy today at 2:00.

http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives...nceptions.html

Here is the cover:

Web Chat: OnStar Debunks Privacy Misconceptions
Privacy is a very important issue for consumers, and many have concerns about how the companies they interact with use and protect their personal information.

OnStar takes its subscribers’ concerns very seriously. We are committed to providing subscribers with safety and security, and our privacy policy support that focus. Recently, we’ve noticed conversations in the blogosphere about OnStar and privacy. Many of the conversations discuss misperceptions of our services and privacy policies.

We want to set the record straight.

Jane Speelman, OnStar’s Privacy & Compliance Officer is hosting a Web chat to talk about the privacy practices OnStar has put in place to ensure customer information is not used in a way that is inconsistent with the subscriber agreement. She will also talk about the common misperceptions about OnStar and privacy and why they are wrong.

The Web chat will take place, Thursday, November 12 from 2 –3 p.m. EST. Jane will try to answer as many questions as she can.

SaxPlyn2LTRS · 11-12-2009, 11:39 AM

Now they're spying on the blogs

Just kidding, this is a great way for them to clear up alot of mis-conceptions about the service. Great job On-Star

Verio · 11-12-2009, 12:08 PM

See, now the Onstar conspiracy theorists will claim they were spying on Camaro 5...........

Partick · 11-12-2009, 12:13 PM

Quick... where's my tinfoil hat? I need it, need it now...lol Happily been an Onstar subscriber since 02 and haven't had the black Suburbans roll up on me yet. In all seriousness glad to see they want to try and answer peoples concerns. It's a great service

v6sonoma · 11-12-2009, 12:21 PM

I heard OnStar scans your brain and sends signals to make you think you're driving a Camaro.

Brokinarrow · 11-12-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v6sonoma

I heard OnStar scans your brain and sends signals to make you think you're driving a Camaro.

So I just gave GM 30,000 to keep driving my Focus?!?!

NNooooooooooooooo!

Brokinarrow · 11-12-2009, 03:05 PM

I jumped on this right at the end, here is the convo I saw from earlier in the hour:

1:58

Hello all, the Web chat will begin in 2 minutes.
Thursday November 12, 2009 1:58
1:59

[Comment From Lok Lok : ]

Thursday November 12, 2009 1:59 Lok
2:00

Hello and welcome to today’s Web chat.

The personal privacy of our subscribers is important to OnStar. We

chose the topic for today’s chat because we want to dispel some of the

common myths and misperceptions about our privacy practices. We

value your feedback and with that, we will start the chat.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:00
2:03

[Comment From Darren Darren : ]
What are the most common myths that you keep running into?
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:03 Darren
2:08

One of the most common myths we hear is that OnStar has a continuous connection to

our subscribers’ vehicles - we don’t. We don’t continuously monitor the location of vehicles.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:08
2:08

[Comment From Lok Lok : ]
do OnStar have the ability to listen in without driver's interaction ?
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:08 Lok
2:10

No. OnStar cannot listen in on in-vehicle conversations without notice to the occupants.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:10
2:11

[Comment From Darren Darren : ]
I have also heard that beyond monitoring locations of vehicles at all times, you also sell that info to the FBI and CIA...
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:11 Darren
2:13

Darren - we don't sell our subscribers' personal or vehicle-specific data to anyone.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:13
2:14

[Comment From RD Henard RD Henard : ]
GM ads have claimed OnStar could shut down the car's engine without the consent of the driver. Now you are claiming OnStar is not invasive. Which is it?
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:14 RD Henard
2:20

RH - We have carefully constructed protocols to make sure we are only acting where our subscriber has requested Stolen Vehicle Assistance and then, we only work in conjunction with law enforcement.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:20
2:23

[Comment From RD Henard RD Henard : ]
We all know that some things that start out as being non-invasive develop into means by which "big brother" can get control. Even if you do not have that intent now, you may be required to in the future.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:23 RD Henard
2:23

Our customers are overwhelmingly in favor of this feature.

But we knew some individuals would have concerns, so we provide clear notice to our subscribers and offer an opt-out -- and make sure the opt-out is customer controlled. They can opt back in only at a dealership
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:23
2:24

[Comment From SJ SJ : ]
OnStar does not have the ability to listen in? Does communication need to be initiated by the occupant or can it be initiated both ways?
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:24 SJ
2:27

SJ - The communication can be initiated both ways. When OnStar initiates the call a light on the rearview mirror flashes, there is a ringtone and the radio system will mute. In some vehicles there also will be a text display.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:27
2:28

[Comment From Darren Darren : ]
You mentioned how OnStar doesn't have continuous connections to our vehicles, so when someone is involved in an accident, how is OnStar notified?
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:28 Darren
2:31

Darren - in the event of an accident that triggers specific sensors or airbag deployment, the OnStar system is programmed to call OnStar.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:31
2:33

[Comment From Damon Damon : ]
How does turn-by-turn navigation work if there isn't a constant connection?
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:33 Damon
2:36

Damon - To get a OnStar Turn-by-Turn route, you have to request the service. After the route is sent to the vehicle the connection to OnStar is disconnected. The OnStar system then uses GPS location information in the vehicle to deliver the directions.
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:36
2:45

[Comment From annon annon : ]
in the event of an accident,or suspected speeding, and on star verify the vehicle's speed? and how would it happen?
Thursday November 12, 2009 2:45 annon
2:47

OnStar does not obtain speed from the vehicle’s speedometer, but we

do calculate an estimated speed based on GPS information. As with location, there is no continuous connection to the vehicle and therefore, we do not monitor or track the speed of the vehicle. We do not provide this information to anyone for their independent use (e.g. law enforcement in relation to the issuance of a speeding ticket). There is no legal basis for law enforcement or anyone else to require us to obtain and disclose this data.

At OnStar, we’ve built an incredibly strong brand, and we know we have to protect that brand by doing all the right things in the area of privacy and by making sure we are always transparent about our practices
Thursday November 12, 2009 3:00
3:01

Thanks for joining us!
Thursday November 12, 2009 3:01
3:01

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at privacymanager@onstar.com
Thursday November 12, 2009 3:01
3:02

[Comment From annon annon : ]
I agree with Lok, i love onstar, too. Thankfully, I haven't needed, but I know that if I do it will be there. Thank you on star for being there.
Thursday November 12, 2009 3:02 annon
3:03
At OnStar, we’ve built an incredibly strong brand, and we know we have to protect that brand by doing all the right things in the area of privacy and by making sure we are always transparent about our practices
Thursday November 12, 2009 3:03
3:03
Thanks again!

Rogue Leader · 11-12-2009, 05:52 PM

Too bad the tin foil hat crowd is grumbling.. YOU LIE.... right now

Number 3 · 11-12-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Leader

Too bad the tin foil hat crowd is grumbling.. YOU LIE.... right now

You can only try to provide opporunities to learn............LOL

Brokinarrow, thanks for posting that up.

I hope that helped clear things up a little bit.

FenwickHockey65 · 11-12-2009, 06:42 PM

Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that this site alone was more than enough justification for GM to do this webchat?

Good job guys.

Banshee · 11-12-2009, 06:43 PM

Hell,

Us police can't even track a Trailblazer even if OnStar calls my cellphone while trying to track the stolen vehicle.

If anyone believes law enforcement and OnStar is conspiring, you are grossly mistaken!

Partick · 11-12-2009, 06:45 PM

It was a good read but as I said I'm happy OnStar and haven't had any privacy concerns in 7 years of subscription.

*DGthe3* · 11-15-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banshee

If anyone believes law enforcement and OnStar is conspiring, you are grossly mistaken!

Thats what you want us to think.

TJ91 · 11-15-2009, 05:28 PM

finally, i can take off my tinfoil hat

lol Thanks for the thread, hope it clears up info for those who second guessed On Star....i like on star, great service

11-12-2009, 11:27 AM	#1
Number 3 Hail to the King baby! Drives: '19 XT4 2.0T & '22 VW Atlas 2.0T Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 12,306 View My Garage	OnStar and Privacy - Web Chat 11/12/09 For those interested, and I am guessing there are many based on the threads covering this topic, OnStar will be hosting a Web Chat on Privacy today at 2:00. http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives...nceptions.html Here is the cover: Web Chat: OnStar Debunks Privacy Misconceptions Privacy is a very important issue for consumers, and many have concerns about how the companies they interact with use and protect their personal information. OnStar takes its subscribers’ concerns very seriously. We are committed to providing subscribers with safety and security, and our privacy policy support that focus. Recently, we’ve noticed conversations in the blogosphere about OnStar and privacy. Many of the conversations discuss misperceptions of our services and privacy policies. We want to set the record straight. Jane Speelman, OnStar’s Privacy & Compliance Officer is hosting a Web chat to talk about the privacy practices OnStar has put in place to ensure customer information is not used in a way that is inconsistent with the subscriber agreement. She will also talk about the common misperceptions about OnStar and privacy and why they are wrong. The Web chat will take place, Thursday, November 12 from 2 –3 p.m. EST. Jane will try to answer as many questions as she can. __________________ "Speed, it seems to me, provides the one genuinely modern pleasure." - Aldous Huxley

11-12-2009, 11:39 AM	#2
SaxPlyn2LTRS Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT/RS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern, VA Posts: 191	Now they're spying on the blogs Just kidding, this is a great way for them to clear up alot of mis-conceptions about the service. Great job On-Star __________________ Drives 2010 Camaro CGM 2LT/RS - Black Interior/Sunroof 1100: Preliminary order accepted - 8/7/2009 2000: Accepted by GM - 8/26/2009 3000: Accepted by production control - 9/2/2009 TPW 09/21/2009 3300: Scheduled for production - 9/10/2009 3400: Broadcast - 9/18/2009 3800: Produced - 9/25/2009 A9150194 4000: Available to ship - 9/26/2009 4200: Shipped - 9/28/2009 5000: Delivered to the dealer - 10/12/2009 6000: Delivered to the customer - 10/12/2009

11-12-2009, 12:08 PM	#3
Verio Taking it 1 day at a time Drives: 2010 Chevy Camaro 2SS/RS Auto Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 748 View My Garage	See, now the Onstar conspiracy theorists will claim they were spying on Camaro 5........... __________________ Order#: NJWGTF 1100, Preliminary order accepted 04/27/2009 6000, Delivered to the customer 07/23/2009 - 3 Months (worth the wait!!)

11-12-2009, 12:13 PM	#4
Partick Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NorCal Posts: 958	Quick... where's my tinfoil hat? I need it, need it now...lol Happily been an Onstar subscriber since 02 and haven't had the black Suburbans roll up on me yet. In all seriousness glad to see they want to try and answer peoples concerns. It's a great service Last edited by Partick; 11-12-2009 at 12:31 PM.

11-12-2009, 12:21 PM	#5
v6sonoma Drives: 2010 SS RS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 8,108 View My Garage	I heard OnStar scans your brain and sends signals to make you think you're driving a Camaro. __________________ Mods: BBK Intake, BBK LT's and High Flow Cats, Corsa Cat-back exhaust, Hurst short throw shifter, SLP skip-shift eliminator. 7/1/09 Placed order for IOM/IO int/ SS/RS 6M 9/26/09 Took delivery!

11-12-2009, 03:05 PM	#7
Brokinarrow Drives: 2012 Honda NC700x Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indianola, IA Posts: 5,317 View My Garage	I jumped on this right at the end, here is the convo I saw from earlier in the hour: 1:58 Hello all, the Web chat will begin in 2 minutes. Thursday November 12, 2009 1:58 1:59 [Comment From Lok Lok : ] Thursday November 12, 2009 1:59 Lok 2:00 Hello and welcome to today’s Web chat. The personal privacy of our subscribers is important to OnStar. We chose the topic for today’s chat because we want to dispel some of the common myths and misperceptions about our privacy practices. We value your feedback and with that, we will start the chat. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:00 2:03 [Comment From Darren Darren : ] What are the most common myths that you keep running into? Thursday November 12, 2009 2:03 Darren 2:08 One of the most common myths we hear is that OnStar has a continuous connection to our subscribers’ vehicles - we don’t. We don’t continuously monitor the location of vehicles. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:08 2:08 [Comment From Lok Lok : ] do OnStar have the ability to listen in without driver's interaction ? Thursday November 12, 2009 2:08 Lok 2:10 No. OnStar cannot listen in on in-vehicle conversations without notice to the occupants. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:10 2:11 [Comment From Darren Darren : ] I have also heard that beyond monitoring locations of vehicles at all times, you also sell that info to the FBI and CIA... Thursday November 12, 2009 2:11 Darren 2:13 Darren - we don't sell our subscribers' personal or vehicle-specific data to anyone. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:13 2:14 [Comment From RD Henard RD Henard : ] GM ads have claimed OnStar could shut down the car's engine without the consent of the driver. Now you are claiming OnStar is not invasive. Which is it? Thursday November 12, 2009 2:14 RD Henard 2:20 RH - We have carefully constructed protocols to make sure we are only acting where our subscriber has requested Stolen Vehicle Assistance and then, we only work in conjunction with law enforcement. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:20 2:23 [Comment From RD Henard RD Henard : ] We all know that some things that start out as being non-invasive develop into means by which "big brother" can get control. Even if you do not have that intent now, you may be required to in the future. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:23 RD Henard 2:23 Our customers are overwhelmingly in favor of this feature. But we knew some individuals would have concerns, so we provide clear notice to our subscribers and offer an opt-out -- and make sure the opt-out is customer controlled. They can opt back in only at a dealership Thursday November 12, 2009 2:23 2:24 [Comment From SJ SJ : ] OnStar does not have the ability to listen in? Does communication need to be initiated by the occupant or can it be initiated both ways? Thursday November 12, 2009 2:24 SJ 2:27 SJ - The communication can be initiated both ways. When OnStar initiates the call a light on the rearview mirror flashes, there is a ringtone and the radio system will mute. In some vehicles there also will be a text display. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:27 2:28 [Comment From Darren Darren : ] You mentioned how OnStar doesn't have continuous connections to our vehicles, so when someone is involved in an accident, how is OnStar notified? Thursday November 12, 2009 2:28 Darren 2:31 Darren - in the event of an accident that triggers specific sensors or airbag deployment, the OnStar system is programmed to call OnStar. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:31 2:33 [Comment From Damon Damon : ] How does turn-by-turn navigation work if there isn't a constant connection? Thursday November 12, 2009 2:33 Damon 2:36 Damon - To get a OnStar Turn-by-Turn route, you have to request the service. After the route is sent to the vehicle the connection to OnStar is disconnected. The OnStar system then uses GPS location information in the vehicle to deliver the directions. Thursday November 12, 2009 2:36 2:45 [Comment From annon annon : ] in the event of an accident,or suspected speeding, and on star verify the vehicle's speed? and how would it happen? Thursday November 12, 2009 2:45 annon 2:47 OnStar does not obtain speed from the vehicle’s speedometer, but we do calculate an estimated speed based on GPS information. As with location, there is no continuous connection to the vehicle and therefore, we do not monitor or track the speed of the vehicle. We do not provide this information to anyone for their independent use (e.g. law enforcement in relation to the issuance of a speeding ticket). There is no legal basis for law enforcement or anyone else to require us to obtain and disclose this data. At OnStar, we’ve built an incredibly strong brand, and we know we have to protect that brand by doing all the right things in the area of privacy and by making sure we are always transparent about our practices Thursday November 12, 2009 3:00 3:01 Thanks for joining us! Thursday November 12, 2009 3:01 3:01 If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at privacymanager@onstar.com Thursday November 12, 2009 3:01 3:02 [Comment From annon annon : ] I agree with Lok, i love onstar, too. Thankfully, I haven't needed, but I know that if I do it will be there. Thank you on star for being there. Thursday November 12, 2009 3:02 annon 3:03 At OnStar, we’ve built an incredibly strong brand, and we know we have to protect that brand by doing all the right things in the area of privacy and by making sure we are always transparent about our practices Thursday November 12, 2009 3:03 3:03 Thanks again! __________________

11-12-2009, 05:52 PM	#8
Rogue Leader Iatefiberglassinsulation Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Long Island Posts: 3,601 View My Garage	Too bad the tin foil hat crowd is grumbling.. YOU LIE.... right now __________________ 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - was daily driver, now toy 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - Daily Driver 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 - Wifes Car 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD LT 6.0 - Tow Vehicle 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S - Project Car 1994 Volkswagen Golf - Race Car "Like" my race team on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farfrumwinnin

11-12-2009, 06:42 PM	#10
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that this site alone was more than enough justification for GM to do this webchat? Good job guys. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

11-12-2009, 06:43 PM	#11
Banshee Institutionally Insane Drives: 2013 IOM 2SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Detroit MI Posts: 2,115 View My Garage	Hell, Us police can't even track a Trailblazer even if OnStar calls my cellphone while trying to track the stolen vehicle. If anyone believes law enforcement and OnStar is conspiring, you are grossly mistaken! __________________ It's got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas. What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?

11-12-2009, 06:45 PM	#12
Partick Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NorCal Posts: 958	It was a good read but as I said I'm happy OnStar and haven't had any privacy concerns in 7 years of subscription.

11-15-2009, 05:28 PM	#14
TJ91 :chevy: Drives: 2LT/RS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,035	finally, i can take off my tinfoil hat lol Thanks for the thread, hope it clears up info for those who second guessed On Star....i like on star, great service

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