New Delhi’s automotive leaders are sounding the alarm on data privacy amid rapid technological advancements. Shailesh Chandra, President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, delivered a stark message at a key industry event on Tuesday: innovation in the auto sector must never cross the boundaries of customer data security and privacy.
Chandra highlighted the massive data flows in modern vehicles, from electric models to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. ‘A torrent of information streams from customers to various ecosystem players,’ he noted. This includes sensitive details like dashcam video feeds and phone numbers linked to infotainment systems. ‘As professionals, we have a duty to safeguard this wealth of personal information,’ he emphasized.
Calling for heightened sensitivity at the OEM level, Chandra outlined three core principles for data handling. First, absolute transparency: customers must be clearly informed about what data is collected and how it will be used, with explicit consent required. Second, rigorous data classification to categorize information appropriately. Third, smart data management—deciding what to retain long-term and what to purge promptly.
‘Privacy and security must be baked into system design from the ground up,’ Chandra asserted. This means architecting vehicles with data classification as a foundational element, ensuring robust protection against breaches.
The remarks come against a backdrop of booming sales in India’s auto industry. SIAM data reveals November last year marked the sector’s best-ever performance: passenger vehicle sales surged 19% to 412,405 units, three-wheelers jumped 21.3% to 71,999 units, and two-wheelers soared 21.2% to 1,944,475 units year-on-year.
Industry optimists predict sustained growth through 2026, fueled by supportive policy reforms and positive market sentiment. Yet, Chandra’s call underscores a critical balance: technological progress cannot come at the expense of consumer trust. As connected vehicles proliferate, prioritizing data ethics will define the winners in this high-stakes race.