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Vehicle privacy glossary
DCM, TCU, EDR, ADAS, and the other acronyms that show up in privacy notices.
DCM / TCU
Data Communication Module or Telematics Control Unit: the embedded modem and related electronics that connect the car to cellular networks.
EDR
Event Data Recorder: a local recorder for short windows of crash-related data such as speed and brake status. It is not the same as continuous cloud tracking, but it can still be retrieved after incidents.
ADAS
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors that power automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, and similar features. Processing is often local, but some brands may share related analytics.
Connected services
Brand platforms such as Toyota Connected Services, OnStar, FordPass Connectivity, Bluelink, Starlink, or Kia Connect. These services deliver remote features in exchange for ongoing data collection.
Sale / share / delete requests
Under many US state privacy laws, consumers can ask companies to stop selling or sharing personal information, limit use of sensitive information, and delete personal data they hold—subject to legal exceptions.