Privacy
December 13, 2024
Comma Privacy First, Even with Cutting-Edge Tech
Privacy is one of the first concerns people raise about a device with multiple cameras and an always-improving AI model. The good news is that comma's approach is materially different from the usual connected-car model.
Many advanced driver assistance systems collect large amounts of vehicle and camera data without making ownership or access very clear. Comma's value proposition is not just that the device can run openpilot well, but that the user keeps meaningful control over what gets shared and what stays on-device.
Three cameras, but not automatic sharing
Comma devices use a driver-facing camera for driver monitoring and road-facing cameras for driving assistance. The important distinction is control: road-facing uploads can be opted into for model improvement, while driver-facing footage is not shared unless you explicitly allow it.
Core features work offline
Once openpilot is installed, the device can run adaptive cruise, lane centering, and driver monitoring without constant Wi-Fi or cellular access. Connectivity is helpful for syncing drives and remote access, but it is not required for the core driving experience.
Comma Connect is optional
If you want remote access and cloud features, comma Connect can provide them. That convenience means some data may be uploaded, but the platform still lets you control what is shared and what remains local to the device.
Open source changes the trust equation
openpilot is open source, which means users are not forced to blindly trust marketing language. Developers and technically curious owners can inspect the code, understand the data flow, and verify how privacy settings actually behave.
Bottom line
Comma's model is simple: you can contribute data to improve the system, but that is a user choice rather than a hidden default. For a category where OEMs often make camera and telemetry access opaque, that privacy posture matters.