The policy authorizes collection of precise vehicle location data (defined as within a 1,850-foot radius) while a vehicle is in use and upon specified events, with a stated retention period of up to 3 years, and discloses that geolocation collection may continue even after OnStar disconnection under certain emergency or battery-safety conditions.
This analysis describes what General Motors's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes a data collection practice tied to vehicle operation that persists under specified conditions even after a user takes affirmative steps to disconnect from OnStar or disable location services, creating a documented carve-out that compliance teams should assess against state-level precise geolocation consent requirements.
The updated statement narrowed its definition of personal information from 'identifies, relates to, or could reasonably be linked to you' to 'describes, relates to, or could reasonably be linked to you.' This language change affects which information GM must treat as personal information under the policy. The revised de-identification section reorganizes prior language, now stating GM 'may use technical measures to remove information that could reasonably identify you or your vehicle' and requires 'the same safeguards from any third parties we share it with.' The policy clarifies that its protections apply to personal information dealers disclose to GM, but do not cover dealers' independent data practices. Cruise is no longer listed as a GM affiliate exempt from this privacy statement, though the scope of privacy protections for Cruise users depends on whether Cruise now operates under this statement or maintains separate privacy terms.
View change record →The agreement establishes that precise geolocation data identifying vehicle location within a 1,850-foot radius may be collected during vehicle operation and retained for up to 3 years, and that collection may continue in defined emergency or battery-safety scenarios even after the user disables location services or disconnects from OnStar.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Precise Geolocation Collection and Retention and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"We may collect the location of the vehicle, including Precise Geolocation, while the vehicle is in use, upon the occurrence of certain events, and to deliver OnStar services as set forth in the OnStar Services Consent available here. Precise Geolocation is location information that identifies a location within a radius of 1850 feet. In limited circumstances GM may still collect Geolocation Information from a disconnected vehicle.Excerpt from General Motors's GM Privacy Statement
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Precise geolocation collection engages the California Privacy Rights Act, which classifies precise geolocation as sensitive personal information subject to opt-out rights; Washington's My Health MY Data Act may apply where geolocation intersects …
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This provision establishes a data collection practice tied to vehicle operation that persists under specified conditions even after a user takes affirmative steps to disconnect from OnStar or disable location services, creating a documented carve-out that compliance teams should assess against state-level precise geolocation consent requirements.
The agreement establishes that precise geolocation data identifying vehicle location within a 1,850-foot radius may be collected during vehicle operation and retained for up to 3 years, and that collection may continue in defined emergency or battery-safety scenarios even after the user disables location services or disconnects from OnStar.
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