GM to pay $220 million to resolve claims it sold driving habits data

General Motors has agreed to pay $220 million to settle claims by 36 US states that it illegally shared drivers’ habits and location data with data brokers. The agreement requires GM to limit the driving information it collects and get drivers’ express consent before collecting it.

The claims concern GM’s discontinued Smart Driver programme, which recorded details such as acceleration, braking and trip length. States said drivers were not told they were enrolled, and that insurers could buy the data and use it to raise premiums. The settlement follows a separate $12.75 million agreement over similar claims in California.