'Black box'

As I'm sure many of you know, airplanes carry a virtually indistructable 'black box' that captures data throughout the entire flight. In the event of a crash, it is often the FAA's only source of data as to what occurred during the flight. Now automakers, especially GM are using similar devices in cars. GM cars equipped with the Onstar service all have such black boxes. The device measures speed, traction, max g's (observed through wheel contact) and other variables. However, it does not constantly record. At certain triggers of speed or wheel slippage the 'black box' starts to record and will continue recording until either a crash, or the car is back on track. GM claims the data is used for making cars safer and how to identify the causes of most crashes, however there is a big privacy issue involved. Mainly, insurance companies and law enforcement are trying to gain access to this data. Insurance companies could use the data to help rank drivers into more efficient groups of high risk people. Their rates would increase (or would be denied coverage altogether) while those drivers demonstrating safer driving habits would have their rates lower. As of now, GM has not divulged any of the information it captures from these boxes. The worry still remains whether or not this information will be used against us as consumers, or for our own safety as companies currently claim. As this technology becomes cheaper and more efficient, expect a greater debate in the future as to its uses.