Dash Cam Absence In New Cars: Why The Omission?

Dashcams are becoming more common in new cars, but they are often an optional extra rather than a standard feature. Some car manufacturers, like Tesla, offer dashcams as part of their vehicles' self-driving functionality, but others require additional software to record what's happening on the road. There are a few reasons why dashcams might not be included as standard. One is the cost—adding a dashcam to a car's specifications would increase its price, and many consumers would rather install a cheaper aftermarket system. Another reason is the legal implications—in some countries, it is illegal to record footage without the consent of the public, and there may be restrictions on filming in certain areas.

Privacy concerns: Some people don't want cameras recording their whereabouts and activities

Privacy is a fundamental human right, and it is understandable that some individuals may not want cameras recording their whereabouts and activities. This concern is particularly acute when it comes to dash cameras, which have the potential to capture sensitive information such as registration plate numbers and personal conversations.

The presence of dash cameras in vehicles can evoke strong privacy concerns among individuals. These devices, often equipped with continuous recording capabilities, have the ability to monitor and record an individual's movements, raising questions about the right to privacy. While dash cams can promote road safety and deter unlawful behaviour, their use in public spaces without explicit consent can be seen as an invasion of privacy. This is further exacerbated when dash cam footage is shared online or on social media platforms without the subject's knowledge, breaching individual rights and potentially causing harm to personal reputations.

In some jurisdictions, privacy laws pose a significant challenge to the implementation of dash cameras. For example, in Germany and Portugal, strict privacy laws make the use of dash cams a legal grey area. In Portugal, dash cams are considered a privacy invasion and are not accepted as evidence in court. Additionally, the installation of dash cams in vehicles may be illegal, and using or sharing footage without the recorded individual's permission can result in legal repercussions.

The storage and ownership of dash cam footage also come into play when addressing privacy concerns. Dash cam recordings contain sensitive information, and ensuring the security of this data is crucial. Encryption technology can be employed to protect footage by converting it into code accessible only to authorised individuals. However, the question of ownership arises, as law enforcement agencies or insurance companies may have legitimate claims to access this information in certain situations. Balancing the privacy rights of individuals with the need for evidence in legal or insurance matters can be complex.

To address these privacy concerns, it is essential to implement robust privacy policies and obtain informed consent. Dash cam policies should outline the purpose of the cameras, data storage and retention practices, and how footage will be managed and accessed. Obtaining explicit consent from those being recorded is crucial, especially in private spaces. Informing drivers and passengers about the presence of dash cams and their use is essential for maintaining trust and addressing privacy worries.

Legal issues: Privacy laws in certain countries and states restrict video recording

Privacy laws in certain countries and states restrict video recording. In the US, citizens are guaranteed a reasonable expectation of privacy, which extends to video recording. This means that it is illegal to record people in private places, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, hotel rooms, and guest bedrooms. Similarly, it is illegal to record inside a neighbour's home, especially if the camera can see into private places.

In the US, the one-party consent law means that it is legal to record a conversation, either in person or over the phone, if you have at least one person's consent. However, this does not cover video surveillance. In all 50 states, audio recording, even as part of a video, requires the consent of at least one person involved in the conversation.

In the UK, dashcams are legal, but there are concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of data. In Germany, built-in dashcams are in a legal grey area due to privacy laws. In Portugal, dashcams are considered an illegal addition to a vehicle, and footage cannot be used in court.

In California, a new law limits access to recordings of passengers taken by in-vehicle cabin monitoring cameras. The law was introduced to prevent the unwanted taking of video and to give consumers more control over their personal information.

Cost: Dashcams are an inexpensive retrofit, so car companies can profit more by not including them

Dashcams are an inexpensive retrofit, so car companies can profit more by not including them as standard. While some car manufacturers do offer built-in dashcams, they are often optional and come at an additional cost. This allows car companies to profit from those who are willing to pay extra for the convenience of a built-in dashcam, while still selling cars to those who would rather install a cheaper aftermarket system or forgo a dashcam entirely.

For example, Citroen offers a dashcam as an optional feature on some of their models, including the C3. Similarly, BMW offers a "Drive Recorder" feature that can be manually activated or will automatically record in the event of an accident. However, these built-in options tend to be more expensive than aftermarket alternatives, and some consumers may prefer the flexibility of adding their own dashcam.

The availability of inexpensive aftermarket dashcams means there is less market demand for built-in options, which would likely be more expensive and offer similar functionality. By not including dashcams as standard, car companies can keep their base model prices competitive while still offering the option for those willing to pay extra.

In addition, there may be other factors at play, such as legal and privacy concerns, which vary by country. For example, in some countries like Germany and Portugal, there are strict privacy laws that may make it difficult to implement built-in dashcams. Overall, the combination of cost, legal, and privacy considerations likely contributes to the lack of built-in dashcams in new cars.

Lack of demand: Most car buyers don't consider dashcams a priority or necessity

There are several reasons why new cars don't have built-in dash cameras. One of the main reasons is a lack of demand from car buyers, who don't consider dashcams a priority or necessity. This could be due to several factors, such as:

• Cost: Dashcams can be an additional expense that buyers may not want to incur, especially if they see it as an optional or supplementary feature.
• Privacy concerns: Some people may not want a camera recording their movements and may have privacy or security concerns about built-in dashcams.
• Legal compliance: In some countries, it is illegal to record footage without the consent of the public, and there may be restrictions on recording in certain areas. Only a few countries, like Russia, recognize dashcam footage as legal evidence for insurance claims.
• Warranty issues: Dashcams may be outsourced and not covered under the standard car warranty, adding to the overall cost for manufacturers and buyers.
• Ease of retrofit: Aftermarket dashcams are widely available and often more cost-effective and convenient to install than built-in options.

As a result, car manufacturers may prioritize other features that are in higher demand or offer dashcams as optional add-ons rather than standard equipment.

Technical hurdles: Dashcams need to be legally compliant and meet certain specifications

One of the main reasons why new cars don't come equipped with dashcams as standard is the existence of technical hurdles. These hurdles are related to legal compliance and the varying specifications that dashcams must meet in different countries.

When it comes to legal compliance, there are a number of factors to consider. For example, some countries have laws that restrict what can be recorded, and it is important for car manufacturers to respect the privacy and data protection rights of individuals in the markets they serve. In addition, if a vehicle is used for commercial purposes, such as a shared vehicle or a taxi, there are often legal requirements to clearly disclose that the occupants are being recorded. Failing to comply with these laws can result in legal repercussions for both the manufacturer and the driver.

Another technical hurdle is the challenge of meeting varying specifications across different countries. Dashcams must often adhere to specific standards and regulations, which can differ significantly from one country to another. This includes factors such as video resolution, frame rate, storage capacity, and even the direction in which the camera is facing. Installing dashcams that meet the requirements of one country may not be sufficient when the same vehicle is intended to be sold in multiple markets with differing specifications.

The integration of dashcams into the vehicle's existing systems also presents technical challenges. Dashcams need to be properly integrated with the car's power supply, data storage, and even the infotainment system in some cases. Ensuring that the dashcam functions seamlessly with the car's other systems while also meeting automotive industry standards for safety and performance can be a complex and costly endeavour.

Furthermore, dashcams must also comply with regulations regarding data storage and retrieval. This includes considerations such as how long data should be stored, who has access to the data, and how the data can be securely transferred and managed. Complying with these regulations can be complex, especially when different countries have varying standards for data privacy and protection.

In conclusion, the absence of dashcams as standard equipment in new cars can be attributed in part to the technical hurdles of legal compliance and meeting varying specifications across different countries. These challenges are compounded by the integration of dashcams into the vehicle's existing systems and the need to comply with data storage and retrieval regulations. While dashcams can provide valuable benefits to drivers, car manufacturers must carefully navigate these technical hurdles to ensure their products are legal, safe, and functional in the markets they serve.

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