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Stalling Cars Via OnStar
Lauren Weinstein writes to tell us that GM will be installing OnStar systems on almost 1.7 million 2009-model cars that will allow law enforcement (or anyone who cracks the system) to remotely shut down vehicles. Here is the AP's writeup, which like most MSM coverage doesn't mention any privacy implications.
Now along with hardened thugs, we'll have half of the /. community hijacking cars!
Well, back to rejecting software patent applications.
Yuppies?? Welcome, strange traveller from 1987
OnStar will release information about a vehicle only for marketing research
Automated email from the Onstar Market-Track Service
Dear On Star customer,
Our automated system noticed that your vehicle was parked on the 3500 block of AnyStreet and SomeAvenue. Our marketing info shows that this area of town is populated by the gay community. Please click on the following links if you would like to:
See a list of gay bars in your area.
Subscribe to Gay Porn weekly.
Meet gay men near you.
Browse our OnStar Market site for other gay related items.
Thank you for choosing On Star! We value you as a customer.
This is an automatic message, please do not reply.
Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
Wire up a switch to the fuse and put the switch next to the big blue button, that way if you are in need of using it, you don't have crawl upside down out of you rolled over SUV, drag yourself across the ground using the bloody stumps of what used to be your legs, pry the hood open with teeth and replace the fuse you removed and then crawl back into the cab to call for help.
Put a switch there that way you can go on a heist and the cops will think "hey we can just shut him down " and then "flick" notta problemo.
Tsukasa: All I really want, is to be left alone...
Pulling the "INFO" fuse in my GMC Sierra renders OnStar entirely inert.
Did your Sierra sing "Daisy, Daisy" as you did it?
Damn that White Bronco!
Sacred cows make the best burgers.
Then, O.J., the real fun begins.
Enter the classic car.
Sure, the 1971 Plymouth RoadRunner my friend drives gets only about 10 miles to the gallon on a good day, the 383cid engine is mechanical or electromechanical in every part. The only transistors in this carburetor fed monster are in the factory AM/FM radio. Don't waste time installing a remote kill system on a car in which cruise control consists of placing an object (optional) under the gas pedal and mashing it down.
Now I just hope they don't ban lead substitute fuel additives before he replaces his valve seats...
If you are not a criminal, what would you have to worry about??? They say only the police will be able to have it activated, so what is to worry about?? A government approved system is always secure.
Fight Spammers!