Security researcher removes modem and GPS from a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to curb connected-car tracking

Arkadiy Tetelman argues that modern cars collect extensive telemetry, including location, driving behavior, camera footage, and driver-monitoring data, often with weak or confusing opt-outs. He describes removing the modem and GPS hardware from his 2024 RAV4 Hybrid as a practical privacy measure, citing past automaker data-sharing practices and vehicle security failures.

The post reflects growing pushback against connected-car surveillance, as consumers realize vehicles can function like always-on data platforms. If more owners seek hardware-level privacy fixes, automakers may face pressure to offer clearer controls, stronger security, and genuinely offline configurations.