Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

[Steve A.]

Has anyone in the US done this: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

For non-Canadian vehicles, you may reach out to Rivian Service to request that we disable the eSIM card in the vehicle through a service appointment

Recently, I reached out to Rivian support to ask what it would cost and they referred my question to my local service center who gave me step-by-step instructions on how to disable related privacy settings in the Settings menu of the infotainment system which I don't recall seeing before which I did, but then they said the following:

Of course but keep in mind to disable to R1S eSIM card you would need appointment. As this would be turning off cellular connectivity.

I asked them what that would cost since that's what I originally wanted to know, but then the reply I got was the following:

Hey Steven, after relaying to service team the lead tech relayed that they are not aware of anything physically that they would have to do for service

So, that made me wonder if this SC knows what they are talking about since they are *relatively new* and the on-line Rivian Privacy notice above clearly states that the SC must disable the eSIM for non-Canadian customers; otherwise, perhaps this DIY capability was pushed out in an OTA and they just haven't gotten around to updating the on-line Rivian Privacy clause.

Can anyone confirm the process one way or another?

Has anyone *proven* ZERO data is transmitted?

Sponsored

 

[strykerwsu]

Bought the wrong timeframe of vehicle. Should be able to get a good deal on a 2003 Impala.

 

[CharonPDX]

Bought the wrong timeframe of vehicle. Should be able to get a good deal on a 2003 Impala.

If you want electric, and want pickup truck, go get an old 2001 Ford Ranger EV.

 

[portdirect]

@EV Sportline may have some insight here, its fairly likely that the Rivian’s modified for 1st responders may well have required either to have changed to firstnet or had the eSIM disabled.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Willing to bet your browser history is more problematic than whatever data Rivian is collecting. Got a cell phone? Better throw that in a lake pronto.

 

[portdirect]

Willing to bet your browser history is more problematic than whatever data Rivian is collecting.

They leak location data like trying to hold water in a 3 month old Home Depot bag that’s been stuck a tree for 2 of those months.

Makes it really hard to run any kind of enterprise in style.

 

[Steve A.]

Bought the wrong timeframe of vehicle. Should be able to get a good deal on a 2003 Impala.

My 2014 Ford Expedition with 220k+ miles works just fine and doesn't spy on me.

Buying ANY product should not sacrifice privacy.

 

[strykerwsu]

My 2014 Ford Expedition with 220k+ miles works just fine and doesn't spy on me.

Buying ANY product should not sacrifice privacy.

While I dont disagree with you, we simply are well past that point in all aspects of our lives. Most of the time it actually benefits our use of the vehicles as it helps improve issues and Rivian has been great with their monthly updates.

Now if I drank Dos Equis I might have a different perspective.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

They leak location data like trying to hold water in a 3 month old Home Depot bag that’s been stuck a tree for 2 of those months.

Makes it really hard to run any kind of enterprise in style.

Occupational hazard

 

[COdogman]

Has anyone in the US done this: Can I disable all data collection from my vehicle?

​

Recently, I reached out to Rivian support to ask what it would cost and they referred my question to my local service center who gave me step-by-step instructions on how to disable related privacy settings in the Settings menu of the infotainment system which I don't recall seeing before which I did, but then they said the following:

​

I asked them what that would cost since that's what I originally wanted to know, but then the reply I got was the following:

​

So, that made me wonder if this SC knows what they are talking about since they are *relatively new* and the on-line Rivian Privacy notice above clearly states that the SC must disable the eSIM for non-Canadian customers; otherwise, perhaps this DIY capability was pushed out in an OTA and they just haven't gotten around to updating the on-line Rivian Privacy clause.

Can anyone confirm the process one way or another?

Has anyone *proven* ZERO data is transmitted?

I can’t imagine it comes up very often so I would also be skeptical that is all it takes. I could be wrong but I believe Canadian customers can disconnect by simply toggling off a setting in their infotainment menu. So maybe it is that simple?

 

[Steve A.]

Willing to bet your browser history is more problematic than whatever data Rivian is collecting. Got a cell phone? Better throw that in a lake pronto.

I'll take that bet. As with all things, there is no *perfect* solution, but anyone who cares about privacy and not supprting surveillance capitalism, already knows to use the Brave browser on ALL devices, since it's the most private and mot performant Chromium browser, and those who really care are either using a deGoogled phone or one that's designed privacy-first like the Liberty phone also *made in America*.

Those who haven't given up their right to privacy but don't know how to protect their on-line rights, can educate themsellves starting with a few links below. Some are a few years old but are still highly relevant.

Why You should Dump Your Apple and Google Phone - Top 5 Reasons!
Incredible Dangers in Browsers (Affects all of them)​

Does the Brave Browser Really Beat Fingerprinting? Let's Test!​

Is a Phone That's Off Really Off?​

Apple Now Has a Backdoor to Bypass Encryption!​

Revealing the Hidden Spyware on Your Phone​

Apple’s Subpoenas Show They Own You​

Apple is right about privacy, but wrong about freedom​

 

[Steve A.]

While I dont disagree with you, we simply are well past that point in all aspects of our lives.

With all due respect, again there is no *perfect* solution but there are plenty of steps (some easy, some more involved) that can be done to mitigate your privacy risks. See my previous reply for links of where to start.

Most of the time it actually benefits our use of the vehicles as it helps improve issues and Rivian has been great with their monthly updates.

Of course it benefits Rivian and the *surveillance capitalism* value proposition. Just remember though, if you aren't paying for the service, then YOU are the service. ;-).

If you buy into this value proposition, then more power to you, but there should be an opt OUT option putting YOU the consumer and NOT the service provider in control.

 

[Steve A.]

I can’t imagine it comes up very often so I would also be skeptical that is all it takes. I could be wrong but I believe Canadian customers can disconnect by simply toggling off a setting in their infotainment menu. So maybe it is that simple?

Skeptism is my default setting. ;-). In God we trust; all others we verify. :-D

 

[Steve A.]

If you want electric, and want pickup truck, go get an old 2001 Ford Ranger EV.

Actually, hoping that Scout's *throwback* design and commitment to DIY repairs will include privacy 1st design as well.

 

[Dave Cundiff]

Bought the wrong timeframe of vehicle. Should be able to get a good deal on a 2003 Impala.

Or maybe a Bolt with OnStar disabled. I'm selling one, but a 2019 Bolt's maximum charge rate is 44 kW -- so driving it to Maryland would require more patience than I've got.

Best wishes!

Sponsored