Redefining Road Safety in the Era of "Computers on Wheels"

For a century, automotive safety was defined by steel and physical endurance.

Today, as vehicles evolve into mobile computing hubs—integrated with cameras, radar, and advanced sensors—the definition has shifted.

In this digital era, data security is the new frontier of safety, encompassing everything from national security and personal privacy to fraud prevention and accident mitigation.

The industry recently underwent a "feature war," where brands competed to offer "God’s-eye view" functionalities. However, increasing regulatory scrutiny has served as a wake-up call for those prioritizing flashy features over privacy. Since 2022, major automakers—both domestic and international—have had to disable or adjust features like remote monitoring and "Sentry Mode" to comply with new data regulations.

At Ford, compliance defines a 'good' feature.

Our Data Security Compliance Committee (DSCC) and Electric Vehicle & Digital (EVD) departments operate on a core philosophy: "Privacy by Design and by Default."

The Four Pillars of Data Compliance

To ensure secure data flow, Ford adheres to four strict processing principles:

1. Default Non-Collection: Unless a user opts in, the vehicle defaults to a "no-collection" state.
2. In-Vehicle Processing: We prioritize local processing. Data stays within the car’s system unless transmission is absolutely necessary.
3. Anonymization: Data is masked or de-identified to minimize sensitivity before any external use.
4. Precision Limits: We reject data-heavy marketing gimmicks. Sensors dynamically adjust to capture only what is essential for the service.

Protecting Sensitive Information

Regarding highly sensitive categories of personal data—specifically location history and biometric markers like fingerprints, voiceprints, or facial features—Ford maintains an exceptionally rigorous threshold for access and processing. We authorize the collection of this data solely when it is strictly indispensable for enhancing vehicle safety (e.g., navigation), and even then, we proceed only with fully explicit user consent and flexible, user-defined retention periods.

Safeguarding National Geographic Data

As a global automaker deeply committed to the Chinese market, Ford treats national security as a top priority. We implement strict classification for geospatial data, partnering with licensed third-party mapping agencies for standardized data hosting. All data is stored domestically, transmitted with high-level encryption, and managed via compliant cloud platforms to ensure a fully auditable and secure lifecycle.

Compliance shouldn't just be a legal document; it should be a tool in the user’s hands. Ford provides every owner with a clear "Path of Rights":

• Transparent Disclosure: Data rules and collection statuses are clearly displayed in owner manuals, on-screen vehicle interfaces, and the mobile app.
• Rapid Response: Owners have the right to access, copy, or request the deletion of their personal information at any time.

The New Benchmark of Luxury

In the age of the "Mobile Computing Center," data security is the new measure of luxury. While the industry undergoes a period of regulatory correction, Ford remains ahead of the curve.

The Ford Explorer’s recent certification is a testament to our commitment to the digital age. No matter how technology evolves, our conviction remains the same: Protecting your privacy is just as important as protecting your life.