GM to pay $220 million over sharing drivers' private data

General Motors will pay $220 million to settle a case over sharing drivers' private data. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the settlement. The announcement's title says the case is about GM sharing that data, and little else was available to confirm.

What we know

• The amount is $220 million.
• The settlement is with General Motors.
• Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced it.
• The case is about sharing drivers' private data.

What is not known yet

The full terms were not in the material. That means it is unclear what kind of data was involved, who received it, and what GM must change. It is also unclear whether drivers will get any money or how the $220 million will be used. Those details would be in the attorney general's announcement and related documents.

Why drivers should care

Many modern cars collect information about how and where they are driven. The case is a reminder that this data can be valuable and that it may be shared. Anyone who drives a newer car may have agreed to data collection without noticing, often during setup at the dealership or in a phone app.

What to do

• Open your car's privacy settings and review what is turned on.
• Check the app that came with your car for data sharing options.
• Look back at what you agreed to when you set up the car.
• Read the attorney general's office announcement for full terms.