According to the company, these secret 'Big Brother' tracking devices are not used for permanently tracking customers or accessing real-time data but in ‘extreme circumstances’. For example, when a car finance customer defaults on his/her payments, the trackers will make it easy for the bailiffs.
Mercedes spokeperson said:
“When a customer chooses to finance the purchase of their car this way, they sign a contract and agree to the location sensors in the car being activated in the event that they default or breach their agreement."
“This clause in the finance contract is in bold print, just above the customer’s signature."
“Locating the car is part of the repossession process and is not permanently tracking customers."
"It is only activated in exceptional circumstances where the customer has breached their finance agreement and repeatedly failed to reply to requests to contact us."
Different people have raised concern about the development. Human rights group Liberty said Mercedes’ actions were disturbing and part of the “creeping growth of surveillance”.
An Ex-Cabinet minister, who asked the Government to investigate the issue, said:
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An Ex-Cabinet minister, who asked the Government to investigate the issue, said:
“This is not the first time big business has behaved like Big Brother — but it’s rare to be quite as deceitful as this.Top Mercedes rivals like Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen and BMW have all said they do not carry out similar tracking.
“I have to question whether it is even legal to pass on information to other people such as bailiffs.
“I would think the relevant minister ought to look very closely at the legality of this procedure.”
What do you think? Kindly drop us a comment and share with your friends. Also read up how Facebook was fined $5 billion for breaching users' privacy.
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