iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) warns that connected vehicles can collect data about occupants, the car, and nearby people or objects—and that various parties, including state actors, may be able to access some of it. That is a warning about potential exposure, not a claim that every modern car is actively spying on its owner or has been compromised.
What the AIVD warning means
On 30 September 2026, the AIVD published an explainer titled De moderne auto als mogelijke spion (“The modern car as a possible spy”). The agency says vehicle users often have little control over data that a car’s internal and external systems automatically store or communicate. Its guidance is primarily aimed at business and government personnel who handle sensitive information because of their work, though it also gives other drivers a way to consider the breadth of vehicle data collection.
Potential routes to data include manufacturers, dealers, leasing and maintenance companies, app developers, parts makers, and cloud-service providers. The AIVD also identifies malicious actors, including cybercriminals and hackers, and says state actors may request data from companies or conduct hacking operations. These are possible routes and risks; the guidance does not establish that any of these parties has accessed a particular reader’s vehicle. Read the AIVD’s vehicle security guidance.
Recommended Free Tools
People whose conversations, activities, or movements could attract special interest—such as senior officials and people in key business or government roles—have more reason to apply the precautions strictly. The AIVD’s core advice is: “Ga bewust om met spionagerisico’s die gepaard gaan met moderne voertuigen” (“Be aware of the espionage risks associated with modern vehicles”).
#1 Best Overall
- UPSCALED 4K FRONT + 1080P REAR DUAL DASH CAM: The ROVE R2-4K DUAL records the road ahead and behind at the same time. The front camera captures at 2.5K (QHD) and intelligently upscales to 4K (2160P) for higher-detail playback, while the rear camera records at Full HD 1080P. This is upscaled 4K, not native 4K, engineered to show sharper everyday detail than standard 1080P dash cams, so you can read license plates, signs, and surroundings in front and rear footage.
- SONY STARVIS 2 IMX675 SENSOR + SUPER NIGHT VISION: The front camera uses a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 5MP image sensor with a wide F1.5 aperture (F1.8 rear) and HDR to pull in more light for clearer low-light footage. This advanced sensor enhances nighttime clarity, helping capture license plates, road signs, and surrounding vehicles with greater reliability when driving after dark, through tunnels, or in dusk and dawn conditions.
- ULTRA FAST 5.8GHz WIFI/ UP TO 20MB/s DOWNLOAD SPEED: With its built-in dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, you can use the ROVE dash cam app to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone and Android smartphone. Using the ROVE app, download your recorded videos directly to your smartphone at up to 20 MB/sec, then easily share them on social media with friends and family. Additionally, manage camera settings and update the latest firmware over-the-air via the ROVE App.
- CAR CAMERA WITH GPS: The new front and rear dashcam comes with built-in GPS, which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen. It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed stamps directly on the video so you can watch dashcam videos with GPS data using ROVE's free GPS Player on your PC or Mac & get additional evidence when you need it.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED: Experience peace of mind with this front and rear car dash cam. It comes with a free 128GB microSD card and offers advanced features such as an f1.5 aperture, motion detection, G-sensor, seamless loop recording, emergency video lock, screen saver, live speed and compass direction, voice guidance, ring of threads for optional CPL filter, a built-in supercapacitor for extended product life, support for up to 1TB microSD cards, and many more.
Which vehicle systems can expose data—and what to do
| System or connection | Potential exposure described by the AIVD | Precaution in the guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Microphones | Many vehicles have multiple microphones; remote activation is technically possible. | Do not hold confidential conversations in or around a vehicle. |
| Cameras | Modern vehicles often have interior or exterior cameras; remote activation is technically possible. | Consider what an in-vehicle camera may see. Do not use a vehicle with an external camera for travel to a sensitive location. |
| Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and wireless charging | Connections between a car and a phone or other device could expose data on the connected device. | Avoid automatic Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections and wireless charging. If you must connect a phone to a USB port, use a USB data blocker. |
| Infotainment and navigation | The infotainment system can be a central point for collecting and storing device identifiers, contact details, internet traffic, messages, and navigation information. | Think carefully before entering identifying addresses, such as your home or a sensitive destination. Weigh built-in navigation against the purpose and details of the trip. |
| GPS, tracking, telematics, and charging posts | Vehicle makers use GPS and tracking systems to follow vehicles and log trips. Internet-connected telematics may exchange traffic, location, or manufacturer-update information and share vehicle data. EV charging posts transmit data about connected vehicles. | The AIVD says technology or behavior cannot prevent these location-related exposures. Judge whether using the vehicle is appropriate for the destination and purpose of the trip. |
How to apply the precautions to a sensitive trip
- Assess the trip. Consider whether the destination, route, passengers, or discussion would be sensitive if recorded or inferred from vehicle data.
- Choose where to have confidential conversations. The AIVD advises against sensitive conversations in or around a vehicle because microphones may be remotely activated.
- Consider what cameras can capture. Be aware of the view from interior cameras, and avoid taking a vehicle with an external camera to a sensitive location.
- Limit device connections. Turn off automatic Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections and avoid wireless charging when appropriate. If a phone must connect to a USB port, use a data blocker; that addresses only the USB connection, not other vehicle systems.
- Review infotainment and navigation choices. Avoid storing identifying addresses unnecessarily, and decide whether built-in navigation is appropriate for the trip.
- Account for movement data you cannot switch off. GPS, telematics, tracking, and charging infrastructure may still reveal information about a journey; the AIVD says there is no technology or behavior that prevents those risks.
What a USB data blocker does—and does not do
A USB data blocker is relevant only when you connect a phone to a car’s USB port: it is the specific accessory the AIVD recommends for that situation. It is not a general vehicle-privacy solution. It does not address Bluetooth or Wi-Fi pairing, cameras or microphones, navigation records, GPS tracking, telematics, or information transmitted by charging posts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the warning does not establish
The AIVD’s explainer describes data collection capabilities and possible access routes. It does not say that every connected vehicle is compromised, that every listed system is remotely activated in a particular car, or that a specific make or model is more vulnerable. It also provides no statistic quantifying successful vehicle espionage or the effectiveness of these precautions. Its practical message is to match the level of caution to the sensitivity of the people, information, and trip involved.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 4-Channel Dash Cam for Complete Vehicle Coverage: This dash cam is equipped with four Full HD 1080P cameras, capturing footage of the front, rear, left, and right sides of your vehicle simultaneously. The adjustable front cameras enhance visibility and offer flexible recording angles, including interior footage.
- Time-Lapse Recording & Parking Mode: With time-lapse recording, 60 minutes of footage is compressed into 1 minute, saving memory card space. Activate parking mode with the optional ACC hardwire kit (sold separately) for security when your vehicle is parked.
- Enhanced Night Vision & WDR Technology: The dash cam features advanced night vision and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology for clear, balanced footage, even in low-light conditions. Eight infrared lights ensure optimal visibility, and WDR adjusts exposure to capture detailed images in varying lighting.
- Optional GPS for Real-Time Vehicle Tracking: Purchase the GPS logger (sold separately) to add location, speed, and time tracking, providing a visual representation of your vehicle's route. This feature is perfect for documenting travel details in case of incidents.
- 5GHz Wi-Fi & App Integration: Share videos easily via Wi-Fi using the mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. This feature allows for quick video downloads and sharing on your preferred platforms.
Rank #2
- [4K+1080P Dual Recording] REDTIGER F7N TOUCH captures your drive journey in stunning 4K UHD resolution with STARVIS 2 sensor 170° wide-angle view for the front dash cam and 1080P FHD resolution 140° wide-angle for the rear car camera. Equipped with WDR and HDR technology, the enhanced super night vision ensures better visibility even in low-light situations, providing you with reliable recordings day and night.
- [Voice Control & Touch Screen] F7NTOUCH dashcam features voice commands, allowing for hands-free control of your 4K car camera, which enhances safety by minimizing distractions. The dual camera dash cam also has smart touchscreen that can lock emergency video, turn on wifi, and capture scenery with one click. Redtiger also retains the buttons, multiple control methods are integrated.
- [Built-in GPS & 5.8GHz WiFi] Both Android and IOS users can connect to dashcam WiFi via the REDTIGER Cam app. Although the dash cam is installed wired, you can enjoy wireless control on your smartphone, faster 20MB/s download speed and share your driving experiences in real-time with friends and insurance companies. Car recorder built-in GPS provides traceable location, speed, and accurate route in the recordings.
- [Loop Recording & G-Sensor] REDTIGER F7N TOUCH dual channel dash cam automatically overwrites the oldest footage when the memory is full, ensuring endless recording with the included 128GB card. With a built-in G-sensor that detects sudden movements or impacts, it automatically locks and protects the associated footage when an event is detected on the road, ensuring it won't be overwritten during loop recording.
- [24-hour Parking Monitoring*] REDTIGER Car dashboard camera offers G-Sensor Parking Mode that automatically record when it detects any collisions or sudden motion while vehicles is parked. Time Lapse Parking Mode provides continuous surveillance by offering a condensed overview of any events that may occur during parking periods. *Please note that the parking monitoring function requires a separate hardwire kit.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
