Malotru's recent activity
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Comment on Can I defeat telematics in a GM car? in ~transport
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Comment on Can I defeat telematics in a GM car? in ~transport
Malotru Link ParentVery good point. You mentioned cellular range. Would a hobbled transmitter not cause problems? Certain cars have had issues with battery drain when parked in spaces with weak cell reception....Very good point. You mentioned cellular range. Would a hobbled transmitter not cause problems? Certain cars have had issues with battery drain when parked in spaces with weak cell reception. Surprisingly, drivers found a fix in pulling the fuse. One of several threads in a Ford owners' forum discusses doing so for privacy concerns and features users happy with the result (no nags or warnings, no other systems impacted). That's another manufacturer altogether, though. GM, OnStar's owner, may have implemented it differently in the Lyriq. And messing with it, either by pulling a fuse or capping it with a terminator, may be problematic. I don't yet know enough.
Thank you for all of this info and thought!
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Comment on Can I defeat telematics in a GM car? in ~transport
Malotru LinkNotes on my journey so far: The service manager at the dealer hasn't been able to send me information yet. Believe it or not, I have spoken to dealers of other brands who were willing to...Notes on my journey so far:
The service manager at the dealer hasn't been able to send me information yet. Believe it or not, I have spoken to dealers of other brands who were willing to disconnect things like microphones for the shop minimum charge.
On the 2023 and 2024 Lyriq, only one fuse is identified for the OnStar telematics module.
F37 TCP (OnStar) – Telematics Communication Platform
Maybe nothing else is linked on that fuse, and pulling it would be enough?
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Comment on Can I defeat telematics in a GM car? in ~transport
Malotru Link ParentNow that I reflect on it, I was running on 2 hours of sleep and four conversations deep at a dealer when I posted, so my question was a bit low on value. I pledge to detail my journey well enough...Now that I reflect on it, I was running on 2 hours of sleep and four conversations deep at a dealer when I posted, so my question was a bit low on value. I pledge to detail my journey well enough to deserve your helpful reply, my friend!
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Can I defeat telematics in a GM car?
Previously, I wondered what model car I should buy if I wanted to maintain my privacy. Thanks to everyone who chimed in, especially @kari, @qot, and @Narry. Although I astound myself to be typing...
Previously, I wondered what model car I should buy if I wanted to maintain my privacy. Thanks to everyone who chimed in, especially @kari, @qot, and @Narry. Although I astound myself to be typing this, I may just have found an option in a Cadillac Lyriq.
Earlier this year, the FTC banned GM from selling driver data to consumer reporting agencies and GM ended their egregious program. This and privacy laws in my state give me some small hope of avoiding the worst data collection practices. But, if I buy this car, I would want greater certainly that can only be had by physical intervention. Local audio/security aftermarket installers have nothing for me. Would anyone have a resource or ideas?
25 votes -
Comment on Can I hope to defeat telematics in a new car? in ~transport
Malotru (edited )LinkUpdate: Never one to take the sensible route, I have set my sights on an incredibly tech-intergrated model. There is an option to enable "Privacy Mode" in the MMI, complete with a reassuring...Update:
Never one to take the sensible route, I have set my sights on an incredibly tech-intergrated model. There is an option to enable "Privacy Mode" in the MMI, complete with a reassuring admonishment that connected things might stop working when it is enabled. However, the fine print of the owner's manual reveals that the setting only "limits" data transmission.
Research tells me that merely disconnecting the cellular antenna isn't smart: it could damage the radio or end up still connecting with its remaining signal strength.
I can't yet determine if it uses an eSIM or physically removable SIM card, and I can't figure out if pulling the fuses will knock out other features.
I will try to find a schematic, even though I'm not certain I will understand how to translate that into action.
A shop that specializes in aftermarket modifications told me I was the first to ever ask about disabling these things. The dealership sales team, meanwhile, is similarly new to the concept. I will try to get answers from the service advisors, then try calling the manufacturer hotline.
I thought I would update, since it was hard to give advice without having a model in mind. Now, it's probably far too specific!
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Comment on Can I hope to defeat telematics in a new car? in ~transport
Malotru Link ParentWait. So there is a car made in the last 10 years without telematics? I guess I'm going to read up on the Fit LX. Maybe I could benefit from seat magic.2019 Honda Fit LX
Wait. So there is a car made in the last 10 years without telematics? I guess I'm going to read up on the Fit LX. Maybe I could benefit from seat magic.
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Comment on Can I hope to defeat telematics in a new car? in ~transport
Malotru Link ParentCrap. I meant to say, I'm in the U.S. Thanks for asking, so I can clarify. I would be fine with a range of 150 miles.Crap. I meant to say, I'm in the U.S. Thanks for asking, so I can clarify.
I would be fine with a range of 150 miles.
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Comment on Can I hope to defeat telematics in a new car? in ~transport
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Can I hope to defeat telematics in a new car?
Could you recommend a make of vehicle whose spy tech is easy to disable? This is the highest hurdle and single most important factor in my search for a car, so my other preferences and needs fall...
Could you recommend a make of vehicle whose spy tech is easy to disable? This is the highest hurdle and single most important factor in my search for a car, so my other preferences and needs fall far second. I would like an electric vehicle or hybrid model with no less cargo room than a Prius, and not larger than a mid-sized station wagon, with a track record of low repairs. Correct me if I'm misinformed, but applying those criteria seems premature until I can identify something I can make private.
I have only ever bought used cars, and have lived the same story many times: I will construct elaborate spreadsheets, research models until I could host a video walk-through of trouble spots to watch for, then will shop and cavil until I make a purchase I'm proud of. Sure, it ends up 25% over my initial budget, but I pat myself on the back for a full 18 months afterwards. Nice work, careful consumer. But it's then the repairs begin, and soon I'm spending $3-4,000 a year maintaining my certified reliable used car.
So, I am searching for a newer used car or a new car whose telematics can be disabled. I have read through discussion boards, but weary quickly at the comments defending the cozy convenience of the corporate surveillance net or chiding people like me for even trying. I don't care. If lacking or disabling spy features means I can't use my car as a phone, that sounds like a win to me. I know a little about cars and have alright technical know-how. Most importantly, I am resolute. I will not drive a car that listens to me or transmits video of my travels. Has anyone had success here?
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Comment on Looking for movies that combine religion mythology and supernatural elements in ~movies
Malotru LinkIt's unlikely to add any titles to your watch list, but I regard the initial Indiana Jones trilogy in this light. The cults and climactic divine curses are creepy supernatural spectacles, inspired...It's unlikely to add any titles to your watch list, but I regard the initial Indiana Jones trilogy in this light. The cults and climactic divine curses are creepy supernatural spectacles, inspired by bizarre takes on Judaism, Hinduism, and Christianity, respectively.
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Comment on Is OpenWRT worthwhile at home? in ~comp
Malotru LinkIf running OpenVPN on the router is of interest to you, I'll add that I appreciate the ease of switching between VPN connections/profiles in OpenWRT vs. the approach in DD-WRT.If running OpenVPN on the router is of interest to you, I'll add that I appreciate the ease of switching between VPN connections/profiles in OpenWRT vs. the approach in DD-WRT.
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Comment on Refusing LinkedIn's ID verification is costing me my job in ~tech
Malotru Link ParentI've decided to run a virtual machine for Google/LinkedIn. I will fire it up, connect to a local college's free network, search for local things on Google to set cookies, create a Google account,...I've decided to run a virtual machine for Google/LinkedIn. I will fire it up, connect to a local college's free network, search for local things on Google to set cookies, create a Google account, and then link a new LinkedIn profile. I just hope I can use a VPN thereafter, as it seems others do. I can leave the cookies on the virtual machine and only fire it up when needed, I guess.
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Comment on Refusing LinkedIn's ID verification is costing me my job in ~tech
Malotru Link ParentI agree with you, but I assure you I will not be able to continue in my position if I refuse the account altogether. Happy to answer more in private messages, but I should avoid sharing...I agree with you, but I assure you I will not be able to continue in my position if I refuse the account altogether. Happy to answer more in private messages, but I should avoid sharing identifying circumstances in this thread.
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Comment on Refusing LinkedIn's ID verification is costing me my job in ~tech
Malotru (edited )Link ParentAs a test, I just created a Google account on a VPN using only my first name. It didn't even request a phone number. What is this, Bizzaro world??? Unbelievable. (Would it work again? I wonder if...As a test, I just created a Google account on a VPN using only my first name. It didn't even request a phone number. What is this, Bizzaro world??? Unbelievable. (Would it work again? I wonder if I was wrong to delete it.)
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Comment on Refusing LinkedIn's ID verification is costing me my job in ~tech
Malotru Link ParentThanks, this gave me a chuckle. I know this is only one data point, but it's good to know that a VPN alone might not trigger the ID thing in every case.Thanks, this gave me a chuckle. I know this is only one data point, but it's good to know that a VPN alone might not trigger the ID thing in every case.
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Comment on Refusing LinkedIn's ID verification is costing me my job in ~tech
Malotru Link ParentThanks for thinking of the browser extension. It's possible, though I can't check any longer. I left social media because of things like this, but I was naive enough not to expect that LinkedIn...Thanks for thinking of the browser extension. It's possible, though I can't check any longer. I left social media because of things like this, but I was naive enough not to expect that LinkedIn was vacuuming up everyone's passports and driver's licenses.
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Comment on Refusing LinkedIn's ID verification is costing me my job in ~tech
Malotru Link ParentOh, I didn't mean to suggest I wouldn't create a Google account. Perhaps my parenthetical exclamation point was misleading: I added it to demonstrate my surprise that the Google account I'm...Oh, I didn't mean to suggest I wouldn't create a Google account. Perhaps my parenthetical exclamation point was misleading: I added it to demonstrate my surprise that the Google account I'm contemplating might be less invasive than LinkedIn. What I am wondering is if having the Google account will satisfy LinkedIn. If so, I might do that, even though I would rather not. I worry that something else will trigger this ID request again, though.
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Refusing LinkedIn's ID verification is costing me my job
A long, complicated story, summarized: (apart from Tildes, on which I lurk) I swore off all social media years ago. Then my job required that I have an account on LinkedIn. I reconsidered, and...
A long, complicated story, summarized: (apart from Tildes, on which I lurk) I swore off all social media years ago. Then my job required that I have an account on LinkedIn. I reconsidered, and attempted to make the least disclosive account possible in an effort to protect my privacy. Things aren't going well. Despite logging in with the correct credentials, on the same device, using the same browser; and with access to my signup email, and access to the phone I used to enroll, LinkedIn has flagged my account the second time I tried using it and now requires me to upload images of myself and my government ID to regain access to their cesspool. Are you familiar with their protocols and can share insights, so that if I start again I don't face the same problem?
I have read what LinkedIn says and I have read discussions on Reddit on the topic. LinkedIn says you can opt to "use your work email" or mail them an affidavit. These options were not given to me. Everyone else I have seen reporting facing this seems to have triggered the system by losing their login credentials or moving countries; what brought this upon me and can I avoid it?
- Is it that I use a VPN, and it may have routed through a different IP address on the second login?
- I use an email alias. Is LinkedIn purging accounts with email domains that offer aliases?
- Is it a result of clearing cookies?
- Is it easier to maintain a Google account (!) which LinkedIn allows as login without this ID thing coming up?
Please be gentle with your advice as I am kind of panicking.
54 votes
You could do a conversion! I can't vouch for the company, and have no experience with the concept, but it's fun to dream.
For us, it's come down to choosing between a Lyriq and a Genesis GV70. And since the GV70's data vacuum seems much more entangled, we're leaning toward the former.