AI in modern cars

AI in cars can be used to monitor and influence people – but today it is primarily intended for safety and comfort, not control. Even so, the concern is entirely legitimate.

What is “AI in cars” really?

When people talk about AI in modern cars, they typically mean:

Driver assistance systems (ADAS)

• Automatic emergency braking • Lane-keeping assist • Adaptive cruise control • Driver fatigue and attention monitoring

In-cabin monitoring

• Cameras that track eyes, head position and attention • Sensors that detect hand position, heart rate or breathing (in some models)

Data and software

• GPS and driving behaviour patterns • Over-the-air updates • Connected systems (cloud services, apps, manufacturer servers)

It is called AI because the systems learn patterns and respond intelligently – not because the car “thinks for itself”.

What is the purpose today?

The official and practical purposes are mainly:

• Fewer accidents
• Reduced fatigue and inattention
• Better traffic flow
• Lower insurance risk

For example, the EU already requires new cars to include:

• Intelligent speed assistance
• Driver monitoring (from 2024)

The purpose is road safety, not behavioural control**.

But can it be misused?

Yes. The technology itself can be misused if the framework changes.

Possible risks (theoretical – but realistic):

• Monitoring of driving style (speed, acceleration, breaks)
• Insurance premiums based on behaviour
• Detailed tracking of movement patterns
• Restriction of functions (e.g. speed, areas, times)
• Access for authorities through legislation or emergency powers

The technology makes it possible – legislation and ethics determine whether it happens.

Does the car already control you?

In practice: a little – but indirectly.

Examples:

• The car beeps if you are driving too fast
• It can intervene and brake
• It may refuse to drive if safety systems are disabled
• It can log faults and incidents

But:

• It does not issue fines
• It does not automatically report you to the police
• It does not “punish” you legally,
• not yet

What about insurance companies?

This is where development is most tangible:

• “Pay how you drive” insurance already exists
• Data can be used for:
  1. Discounts for careful driving
  2. Higher premiums for aggressive driving

What protects us against misuse?

In Europe (EU):

• GDPR: limits how data may be used
• Requirement for consent
• Limited data retention
• Right of access and deletion

But:

• Rules can change
• Exceptions can be introduced (e.g. safety, climate, traffic)

The key question is not technology – but power.

AI in cars ultimately comes down to:

Who owns the data? Who sets the rules? And what becomes “normal”?

The technology is neutral.

Its application is political, economic and cultural.

Short conclusion

• AI in cars is primarily designed for safety
• It already observes the driver in many new cars
• It can be misused if legislation and oversight change
• Today there are safeguards, but no guarantees for the future