By Mike Bibb
"Telematics is a technology that combines telecommunications and informatics to monitor, track, and transmit data from vehicles or mobile assets in real time." — Copilot, Sept. 27, 2026.
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I'm a smart phone and computer dunce. Ask anyone who knows me. However, I realize these gadgets are everywhere — including embedded within my car.
Recent revelation of the presence of numerous Flock Security Cameras scattered about the nation's streets and avenues, has intensified public concern over possible violations of a person's civil and Constitutional rights.
Principally, can a citizen be lawfully photographed every time he/she drives within view of one of these cameras? Then, have that image and information stored within a data center somewhere, available for retrieval by agencies and organizations connected to them.
Is all this really on the up-and-up, or a clever way to secretly gather personal information without a person knowing it? Under the guise of "Safely enhancing the driving experience."
Just as important, does a citizen still have a right to privacy when traveling public roads and highways — or can he be tracked anytime he backs out of his driveway?
While you're thinking about these issues, consider the fact modern cars and trucks are now factory equipped with various recording and transmitting devices that reveal your exact location, speed, and other vehicle details every time you turn on the engine.
Electronic gizmos called "Black Box" telematics modems, satellite radio antennas, GPS hardware, smartphone cellular integration systems, and infotainment systems can capture a driver's data and transmit wherever needed.
Commercial and military aircraft have used similar equipment for years. This is why you often hear "We'll know more about the crash when we retrieve the 'Black Box' flight recorder."
So, when innocently asking your car "How do I get to 3825 West Jumping Cholla Drive in Las Cruces, New Mexico?", there's probably little concern that request is being processed by some sort of computer equipment fabricated within the array of sensors and transmitters built into the electrical system of your Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Tesla, BMW or any other present-day automobile.
We receive the answer we were wanting and drive on down the road, without worry a simple address inquiry can reveal where you are, where you're going and if it's a private residence, commercial business, city park, government office or place of Granny's 86th birthday party.
Some telematics provide a means to remotely turn off vehicles while they're moving.
Realistically, there's little chance of expecting privacy in today's cars for the simple reason manufactures install the tracking instrumentation during the assembly process. Much like any other vehicle part.
What is the implied purpose for this equipment?
Telematics is widely used in fleet management, logistics, transportation, and asset tracking.
Key benefits include:
Fleet Optimization: Real-time tracking of vehicles and assets to improve routing and reduce fuel consumption.
Safety Management: Monitoring driver behavior to reduce accidents and improve compliance. (Has your car's dash ever posted an alert suggesting "Driver Rest Recommended"? That bit of info is a message from Telematics).
Maintenance Efficiency: Predictive alerts for engine issues or component wear to prevent breakdowns.
Cost Reduction: Lower fuel and maintenance costs through data-driven decisions.
Integration with IoT: Telematics devices are increasingly part of connected enterprise systems, enabling smarter operations and predictive analytics.
Incidentally, IoT stands for "Internet of Things."
As additional backup in locating where you may be at any particular time, there's always the ubiquitous cell phone — conveniently stuffed in your back pocket.
You know, that rectangular shaped plastic slab you're staring at most of the day. It's has tracking stuff, too.
And, you thought Flock Cameras were an overly intrusive breach of your privacy. When actually, the cameras are only an additional layer of corporate and government snooping.
If all this doesn't seem a little spooky, then I guess your meds are stronger than mine!!!
