The theft of a Kia from outside the home of smartphone analyst Ian Fogg in March has shed light on the limitations of built-in car tracking systems, which many consumers mistakenly believe can be used for live-tracking stolen vehicles. However, as our investigation reveals, this is not the case.
Mr Fogg's experience highlights the disparity between consumer expectations and the actual technical capabilities of 'connected car' features in theft recovery. His vehicle was stolen without keys, and despite Kia possessing the ability to view its live location via its Kia Connect service, he was unable to retrieve his car. The company informed him that current UK law prohibits the use of this feature for live tracking, advising customers it is intended for 'convenience' rather than security purposes.
Thieves reportedly gained entry to Mr Fogg's vehicle and disconnected his phone from the Kia Connect app via the car's entertainment system, an unsecured process designed for new owners. Although he initially tracked the car using a hidden Apple AirTag, its noise emission feature made it easy for thieves to locate and discard. When Mr Fogg contacted Kia as advised on their website in case of theft, he was informed that releasing location details must adhere to all applicable laws, particularly GDPR.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the release of personal data, including vehicle tracking information. Organisations must respond to data access requests within one calendar month, but typically, police do not possess formal powers to demand this data without specific consent from the Home Office, which is rarely sought. Car manufacturers ultimately decide whether to share data with law enforcement based on their own policies.
Thatcham Research warns that vehicle owners should seek out devices independently certified as dedicated stolen vehicle tracking products, which feature their own independent power source and provide genuine real-time location monitoring. The experts caution that built-in car tracking systems may not offer the level of security consumers expect, leaving drivers vulnerable to theft.
As one expert notes, 'consumers need to be aware of the limitations of connected car features in preventing or retrieving stolen vehicles.' Thatcham Research advises drivers to explore certified tracking solutions to ensure they have the best possible protection against vehicle theft.