vehicle cameras
Viral Instagram Reel Warns Tesla Drivers: Your Car’s Cameras Can Be Used Against You in Court
A shocking video posted on Instagram has taken the internet by storm, cautioning Tesla drivers about the potential privacy risks associated with their self-driving electric vehicles. The reel, which has gone viral since its release on April 10, reveals that even when the car is turned off, security camera footage can be used as evidence in a court of law, with or without a subpoena.
The video was shared by attorney Nicky Blu from The Ramcharitar Law Firm, a renowned legal expert who has successfully represented over 500 clients in various areas of law, including criminal law, family law, immigration law, and personal injury cases.
According to Blu, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is collaborating with Tesla, as evidenced by a specific case he is currently involved in. However, due to confidentiality reasons, he cannot disclose any further details such as names and dates. “Tesla is working hand in hand with the NYPD, providing them with full recordings from all cameras in cases of alleged crimes,” Blu claims in the video.
The purpose of the reel is to raise awareness among Tesla drivers about the potential privacy risks associated with their vehicles. “Tesla is spying on you and getting you arrested,” the video reads. “And guess who they are allowing to obtain all footage from all of their cars for any suspicion of a crime? NYPD and all other law enforcement. And they don’t even need a subpoena!”
The reel also highlights the fact that Tesla’s cameras continue to record even when the car is turned off, which poses a serious problem for drivers. This means that any crime committed in the vicinity of a Tesla could potentially be captured on camera and used as evidence against the driver.
Typically, a judicial order or subpoena is required to obtain data in criminal cases, and companies like Apple and Google are known to fiercely protect user privacy. However, according to Blu, Tesla is not putting up a fight with law enforcement and is fully compliant, freely handing over data.
In February 2023, The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) launched an investigation into concerns that Tesla vehicles may be violating privacy laws with their security camera feature. The DPA found that many Teslas parked on the street were constantly recording anyone who came near the vehicle. However, Tesla updated its onboard camera capabilities, and the DPA did not end up fining the electric car maker.
One of the main concerns surrounding Tesla’s privacy policies is its “Sentry Mode” feature, which allows drivers to view camera footage from their cars even when they are not in use. Tesla states that to protect user privacy, Sentry Mode recordings are not transmitted to the company. Instead, they are saved to onboard memory and can be viewed directly from the car’s touchscreen. In newer models, an alert can also be sent to the driver’s phone if a threat is detected, but recordings of the event will not be available.
In April 2023, Reuters reported that between 2019 and 2022, groups of Tesla employees privately shared highly invasive videos and images recorded by customers’ vehicle cameras through an internal messaging system. This further raises concerns about the company’s handling of user privacy.
So, Tesla drivers, beware! Your car’s cameras may be watching your every move, and the footage could potentially be used against you in a court of law. Stay vigilant and protect your privacy.
