A German consumer association has accused US manufacturer Tesla of flaws regarding the data privacy of its electric vehicles, as well as misleading claims about reducing CO2 emissions.
The federation of consumer organizations VZBV, one of the most important in Germany, announced on Tuesday (19) that it has initiated “a legal action against Tesla in the Berlin court.” In a statement, the association warns about the cameras in Elon Musk’s electric cars.
Tesla customers claim not to know that information about the use of the sentry mode – whereby cameras monitor the car’s surroundings – violates European data privacy laws, the VZBV explained.
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In the manufacturer’s new models, the cameras record what happens inside, but also outside, allowing the vehicle to be tracked when it is stationary. Users of this function “must obtain the consent of passersby near the car for the processing of their personal data,” said Heiko Dünkel, lawyer at VZBV.
Therefore, it is “practically impossible” to comply with data protection regulations when using this function, added Dünkel, who warned that drivers “risk receiving fines.”
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According to the VZBV, Tesla also deceives its customers with ads touting the climate benefits of buying its cars.
The U.S. automaker’s sale of “emissions credits” to competing companies meant that other automakers could “emit more,” which was not made clear to buyers, according to the consumer association.
Tesla opened its first factory in Europe this year, just outside Berlin. The manufacturer plans to produce about 500,000 vehicles a year in the German capital.
