It is something out of a science-fiction movie which, unfortunately, is fast becoming a reality: Ford’s patent for a self-repossessing car. In late April, Ford filed a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a car that can be controlled remotely if a customer falls behind on their payments.
The concept of a self-repossessing car is a nightmare of the connected-car future, in which vehicles become increasingly intertwined with electronics and artificial intelligence. Cars of the future will rely on remote access for features such as self-driving capabilities and the ability for dealers to monitor purchase behaviors. This system allows the dealer to control the car remotely and could potentially be used to shut down the car, turn it off and block access to wireless networks in the event of non-payment.
While this technology has been touted as a useful tool by some, there are concerns that the technology could be abused if not monitored closely. It has been argued that this technology could potentially be used to subvert civil liberties, as the car could be remotely shut down without due process or consent.
There is also the potential of technology being hacked, which would allow a malicious party to lock customers out of their car and/or repossess it without good cause. It is important that any connected-car system have clear guidelines and privacy protocols established to ensure that the technology is being used safely and ethically.
Though this technology is likely being developed with customer convenience in mind, the lack of proper oversight increases the potential for abuse. Until proper guidelines and protocols are in place, the idea of a self-repossessing car is a nightmare of the connected-car future.