Ford promises never to sell personal data after GM’s $316 million settlement

Ford has announced a new "Ford Privacy Promise," committing the company not to sell customers' personal information. The pledge arrives only days after rival General Motors agreed to a $316 million settlement in the United States over allegations that it sold driver data without permission — a case that has pushed data handling to the front of the conversation for automakers everywhere.

The timing is no coincidence. Modern cars collect a huge amount of information: location history, driving habits, phone contacts synced through infotainment systems, and data sent back through connected apps and subscription services. For buyers in Saudi Arabia, where Ford and Lincoln models are sold alongside GM's Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac ranges, the policy is a signal about how each brand intends to treat that data going forward.

Ford has not said the promise applies only to the United States, but shoppers should still confirm the details at the dealership rather than assume. Ask whether the commitment covers vehicles sold in the Kingdom, what data the connected-car app collects, and whether it is shared with insurers, dealers or advertising partners. Privacy terms often sit in documents most buyers sign without reading.

The episode is a reminder that a car purchase is now also a software agreement. GM's settlement, which resolved allegations rather than a court finding of wrongdoing, shows how costly data disputes can become — and why manufacturers are racing to publish clear rules. Expect other brands to follow with similar statements, if only to reassure customers.

For Saudi families comparing crossovers and SUVs, the practical advice is simple: treat the privacy policy as part of the spec sheet. Before signing, check what permissions the manufacturer's app requests, whether connected services can be switched off, and how long data is retained. A strong promise is useful, but the settings you control matter just as much.