Bluetooth & Privacy (1 Viewer)

[pacard17]

Just looked at the Navigation manual's bluetooth section. This isnt addressed, so i figured Id ask. I HATE that all these modern vehicles grab every bit of data they can and sell it. It's got so bad they can watch what you do in cars. i dont want any of my phone's contacts, texts or stored documents accessible.

Can i connect via bluetooth just to stream media without having to worry about the spy state reaching into all corners of my phone?

 

[r2m]

Just looked at the Navigation manual's bluetooth section. This isnt addressed, so i figured Id ask. I HATE that all these modern vehicles grab every bit of data they can and sell it. It's got so bad they can watch what you do in cars. i dont want any of my phone's contacts, texts or stored documents accessible.

Can i connect via bluetooth just to stream media without having to worry about the spy state reaching into all corners of my phone?

Bluetooth is nothing more than a conduit (read: invisible cord) for stream music and phone calls "through" your phone. Bluetooth does not mine, steal, hack or anything else from a device.
The only way that can happen is if someone hops on your Bluetooth signal and gets into your phone. But you'd have to give Bluetooth permission for someone to do that.

 

[185]

Just looked at the Navigation manual's bluetooth section. This isnt addressed, so i figured Id ask. I HATE that all these modern vehicles grab every bit of data they can and sell it. It's got so bad they can watch what you do in cars. i dont want any of my phone's contacts, texts or stored documents accessible.

Can i connect via bluetooth just to stream media without having to worry about the spy state reaching into all corners of my phone?

If you have to ask, i would browse the privacy statement from Lexus. Basically you have to opt out of all the connected features of the vehicle (no sos etc). From the bluetooth settings you can select audio mode only or audio and phone pairing.

But again bluetooth is nothing compared to the data logging Lexus servers get from the vehicle

 

[pacard17]

my question is just about preventing my phone fr providing anything other than music. i already assume lexus will share whatever i give them. just asking whether i can prevent giving them info via bluetooth.

 

[r2m]

my question is just about preventing my phone fr providing anything other than music. i already assume lexus will share whatever i give them. just asking whether i can prevent giving them info via bluetooth.

I guess the short answer to my preamble above is: No, no information can be obtained from just streaming music from a Bluetooth device.
If that were possible, then all the Bluetooth speakers and headsets would be getting hacked all the time, and there has never been news of that happening, especially since the only way to have earbuds now is wireless, since new phones don't come with 3.5 mm headphone jacks any longer.

 

[re_guderian]

What year? On my 2011, it'll try and load all your contacts when you connect your phone. But, hey, I now have Android Auto anyway, so...

 

[185]

my question is just about preventing my phone fr providing anything other than music. i already assume lexus will share whatever i give them. just asking whether i can prevent giving them info via bluetooth.

When you pair your device you can select audio only mode. You can do this as well after pairing.

I guess the short answer to my preamble above is: No, no information can be obtained from just streaming music from a Bluetooth device.
If that were possible, then all the Bluetooth speakers and headsets would be getting hacked all the time, and there has never been news of that happening, especially since the only way to have earbuds now is wireless, since new phones don't come with 3.5 mm headphone jacks any longer.

If it runs on code its pretty much is breakable even bluetooth. With Lexus EOLifing the infotainment platform on the 150, we wont know what is vulnerable. That being said with bluetooth the number one rule is making sure both devices are actually who they claim to be and actively turning off the bluetooth radio on both sender and recipient once you are done streaming.

 

[pacard17]

Thanks guys. I'm now comfortable that you can block all access to the phone (calls, messages, contacts, etc) when connected via bluetooth.

i agree that it would be a good idea to turn off bluetooth when done using. not sure i have that choice other than on my phone.

 

[Spectre1775]

Sidebar: Is there a thread on here that tells how to go about removing oneself from Lexus data mining? I am buying a lightly used, 2023 GX 460 from an individual, I want to be sure I can opt out of that invasive nonsense.
Thanks.

 

[pacard17]

going through it right now.
1. call 833.914.0989 (lexus connected services)
2. then email bill of sale (or other proof of ownership) to backoffice@toyotaconnected.com
3. believe they said it takes 2 biz days to complete.

i honestly considered not registering because any data captured would be attached to the seller. plus i dont have any plans to use the phone app. if i had time to install an immobilizer, i would have. but at the risk of having it stolen as i drive back cross country, i figured it would be best to have it registered in my name. however, when i get home, I'll be transferring ownership to my llc.

 

[Spectre1775]

going through it right now.
1. call 833.914.0989 (lexus connected services)
2. then email bill of sale (or other proof of ownership) to backoffice@toyotaconnected.com
3. believe they said it takes 2 biz days to complete.

i honestly considered not registering because any data captured would be attached to the seller. plus i dont have any plans to use the phone app. if i had time to install an immobilizer, i would have. but at the risk of having it stolen as i drive back cross country, i figured it would be best to have it registered in my name. however, when i get home, I'll be transferring ownership to my llc.

Thank you very much, this will be quite helpful.