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2015 Corvette Valet Mode Recorder Illegal In Some States

Posted by Soulskill on from the unless-you're-the-nsa dept.

innocent_white_lamb writes: The 2015 Corvette has a Valet Mode that records audio and video when someone other than the owner is driving the car. Activating the Valet Mode allows you to record front-facing video as well as capture audio from within the car so you can help keep your Corvette safe when it's in the hands of others. Well, it turns out that recording audio from within the car may be considered a felony in some states that require notice and consent to individuals that they are being recorded. Now GM is sending notices out to dealerships and customers alerting them to this fact as well as promising a future update to the PDR system.

7 of 269 comments (clear)

  1. huh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Isn't the inside of the car is privately owned by the owner of the car?

    1. Re:huh? by ganjadude · · Score: 5, Insightful

      so a simple disclaimer on the visor will due

      For quality assurance, your valet drive may be recorded. If you do not consent to being recorded, do not drive this car.

      It works for anything over the telephone right??

      --
      have you seen my sig? there are many others like it but none that are the same
    2. Re:huh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Which is insane, and reeks of laws that were made before anyone thought video would be common place. Either they should both be legal, or not.

    3. Re:huh? by WorBlux · · Score: 5, Insightful

      If you capture video of two deaf people signing to each other, is that wiretapping?

    4. Re:huh? by Yakasha · · Score: 3, Insightful

      You are off the rails. The FCC does not have the power to nullify the anti-wiretapping laws of states.

      Fuck the state. Seriously. They work for the tax payer and should be representing the interests of tax payer rather than criminals be they individuals or corporations.

      They do. That is why it is illegal to record you without your permission; such as when your friend loans you their car... When thinking about a law, try to imagine yourself in both positions.

  2. Re:If I own the car by Charliemopps · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Its not illegal as long as you mention "Hey, my car has video cameras in it." before you hand them the keys.

    Whats illegal is taping them without their knowledge. They could potentially make a call to their lawyer or doctor after they park it and you could unintentionally record privileged information. At some point such systems will be so common you wont have to mention it anymore.

  3. Re:Simple fix. by Albanach · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It's a Corvette. You think a Corvette owner wants a label like that on the dashboard?

    Perhaps a better solution would be a 'valet key' that when used limits access to the boot, reduces acceleration (like the Eco mode you get on lots of modern cars and limits speed to say 60mph), When the valet key is placed in the ignition the stereo could announce that video and audio recording will be enabled when the car is started.

    With a key like that, some folk might even let their kids drive the Corvette!