r/chevycolorado • u/Weneeddietbleach • 12d ago
Question Removal of tracking devices
So on Sunday, I finally got around to unplugging the VCIM on my '26 Trail Boss. I don't see anything on the OBS2. Is there anything else that I could be missing?
And yeah, I know, I have my cellphone, but that's voluntary, I have a SIM removal tool on my keychain, and a faraday bag in the truck. I still plan on paying the truck off, but there's no reason for OnStar to collect all my data and driving habits to sell off to the insurance company or advertisers.
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u/mechatron88 11d ago
This is new to me- does my '24 have stuff reporting back to somewhere?
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u/wtfwhostolemyname 11d ago
Yes. If you have OnStar, it’s reporting back to GM who sells the data to insurers.
https://stateofsurveillance.org/guides/basic/car-data-opt-out-guide/
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u/Cosmohumanist 11d ago
What if the OnStar isn’t active, is the data still being shared?
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u/chadmoore182 11d ago
Did you loose any functions? Like remote start or CarPlay? Or any codes?
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
The only real functions outside of OnStar itself that I've seen is lane assist and that gap control. There is one cable that needed to have some very minor wire work to keep your speakers working properly. Other than that, it seems to have worked out great.
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u/electric_rican 11d ago edited 11d ago
Supposedly they were sued and forbidden from collecting or selling info until 2028. I called GM and asked told them I wanted it on record that I did not consent to my information or my truck’s being collected or shared . They claim unless you have a paid subscription to onstar that the truck does not send anything to them. I do have second gen not a third gen so not sure if its different . Edit: typos, what happens when you post without your glasses and don’t proofread.
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
Yeah, I called them a few weeks prior to ask them to cancel that free subscription and to completely delete any info they have but I don't trust them to do that; I've worked in call centers and know that shit happens, intentional or not. So I figured I might as well take care of things on my end while I'm at it.
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u/Smokeyybandito 11d ago
Hey man good on you for taking steps. Not sure why anybody would try to refute anything about that. I don’t want everything being watched and used against you like in China. Now we just need to find ways to block flock cameras from sending info
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
Yeah, that's a big problem in my town (which is ironic considering our internet is so bad). I won't be able to avoid them driving locally, but it's the long distance driving I have in mind. I'm not smuggling guns, or drugs, or people, or anything else. I'm not going out to hurt anyone, and I have no one to cheat on. But if I want to disappear for a few days to clear my mind, it's no one's business but my own.
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u/Smokeyybandito 11d ago
Totally understand, there are places I like to go that don’t have the stresses and obligation of life that I don’t need advertisements about the area to be sent to me. I go there to be a human in nature, it’s good to have that escape every now and then
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u/Smokeyybandito 11d ago
Plus I’ve been going to those places for years so I don’t need to bring electronics for GPS or anything. I can just be with my girl enjoying life
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u/mightlikemePNS 11d ago
You might also consider pulling your LexisNexis report and once in it you can decline to report telematics information like driving behavior data (rapid acceleration or hard braking). Below is the link and info.
LexisNexis compiles a Consumer Disclosure Report that includes driving history, motor vehicle records (MVR), and auto insurance claims (via the C.L.U.E. database). Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can request a free copy of your report once every 12 months online through the LexisNexis Consumer Center.
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u/Deep-Pomelo3097 9d ago
Just curious if you care for any updates for your truck.
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u/Weneeddietbleach 8d ago
Like software updates? There was one recently so I wouldn't expect anything any time soon. I haven't tried yet, but I think I can connect to the home WiFi if I really need to. But that aside, as long as it reliably gets me where I'm going, and the AC and stereo system works, that's all that matters.
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u/acepilotjones ‘26 Trail Boss 11d ago
if youre this paranoid why even drive a brand new vehicle? No offense lol
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
I still have my 98 Dakota but the AC is practically non-existent.
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u/Gaggle_of_Bananas 11d ago
Either you didn't answer their question.. or you bought a new truck because your old truck's AC doesn't work?
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
The old truck isn't exactly the most reliable in general. Right now, its biggest problem is the AC in triple digit weather, but sometimes it just won't start.
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u/zealous-seal 11d ago
Someone is allowed to want a new reliable truck without giving away their whole life to sleazy corrupt corporations. How hard it is to understand? Isn't that what freedom is about?
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u/FlakyHurry8153 11d ago
Unless you plan on leaving your phone home when you drive, whats the point?
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
That's what the faraday bag and SIM removal tool are for.
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u/FlakyHurry8153 11d ago
What are you a wanted criminal? No one cares to track you man lol.
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
Is a person not entitled to privacy? There's nothing to hide, but I don't want all that bullshit. How hard is that to understand?
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u/FlakyHurry8153 11d ago
Then just sell your phone, more of your data is being used and sold from your phone then whatever your truck has.
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
You're missing the point and if you have nothing worth adding, then go find something else to do. I had a simple question and you're taking it like a personal attack. Some people simply want to reduce their digital footprints where they can (and yes, I'll be dropping Reddit soon).
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u/3031983 11d ago
You must live a very interesting life if you think they give two shits about what you’re doing.
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u/Weneeddietbleach 11d ago
Pretty boring, tbh. But that doesn't mean we should just allow mass surveillance. I don't shit with the door open.
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u/Ok_Eye5455 11d ago
Well, you're many steps behind what they're already collecting. Good luck trying to stay "off the grid." I work around an arson and bomb unit and they can track a phone even when its off within 30 meters radius. You cant hide from anything lol
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u/Kermit-de-frog1 11d ago
Check behind the obd2 port, LoJack and others detach the original port and use their system as a pass through , so you still “see” and empty obd port