2015 Corvette Valet Mode Recorder Illegal In Some States

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.

Comments

huh?

[Anonymous Coward]

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

Re:huh?

[ganjadude]

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??

Re:huh?

[TheRealMindChild]

The problem here is recording audio. In the states where this isn't permitted, it is considered "Wire tapping" since it is "intercepting communication". These are called "all party states", where everyone has to give consent.

You are, however, free to record just video.

Re:huh?

[WorBlux]

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

Re:huh?

[alvinrod]

Doubtful. Walk into most gas stations or any major retail store and you're under video surveillance and their notification amounts to a sticker on the window of the door or on the wall as you enter the building. If there's a notification on the visor, that would be sufficient in my opinion. Those are about as non-intrusive as it gets so why should a car be held to higher standards?

Re:huh?

[mrchaotica]

Well that's stupid; it discriminates against people using sign language!

Just put fine print sticker on the dash,,,,,

[genner]

This car monitored for quality assurance.

Re:If I own the car

[Charliemopps]

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.

Re:Simple fix.

[Anonymous Coward]

Technically, you'd have to add the message in braille to be compliant.

Re:Keeping it safe

[Jeremy Erwin]

Valet mode also locks storage compartments, and disables the stereo. corvette commercial hawking the feature

Re:Use the EULA?

[tompaulco]

It would have to be conspicuous enough that it would be obvious to a prosecutor, judge, or whoever else enters the mix.

Why does it have to be conspicuous? Just put it in a sealed box and tell the Judge he can see the EULA after he buys the car, after which point he will no longer be able to return the car. There is legal precedent.