Volkswagen ID.4: Data Storage and Data Protection Information

• Data processing in the vehicle
• Operational data in the vehicle
• Cell phone integration

Data processing in the vehicle

Electronic control modules are installed in your vehicle. Control modules process data, such as data received by vehicle sensors, self-generated data, or data exchanged between control modules. Some control modules are required for the safe operation of your vehicle, others assist you while driving (driver assistance systems), and another group provides convenience functions or additional Infotainment system functions.

Personal reference

Every vehicle is labeled with a unique VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). In Germany, for example, this VIN can be traced back to the current or previous owners of the vehicle upon request at the motor transport authority. There are also other ways data collected by the vehicle can be traced back to the owner or driver, such as through the license plate.

Therefore, the data processed or generated by the control modules can have personal references or become personalized under certain conditions. Depending on the present vehicle data, it could be possible to come to conclusions about your driving behavior, your location or driving route, or to user handling.

Your data protection rights

According to applicable data protection rights, you have certain rights with Volkswagen if your personal data is being processed.

Therefore, you have a right to obtain free and comprehensive information from Volkswagen and third parties, such as contracted roadside assistance services, authorized Volkswagen dealers or authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities, or mobile online service providers in the vehicle, if they have saved personal data about you. You can request information about which data is stored about you and why it was stored, as well as where the data originated. Your right to obtain information also includes the transmission of data to other locations.

Additional information about your legal rights, such as your right to deletion or authorization of data, can be found in the applicable data privacy notices on the Volkswagen website. The contact information and a note about the parties engaged in data privacy are also included here.

Data that is only saved locally in the vehicle can be read out with technical support, for example in an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. There may be a fee for this.

You can find detailed information on data processing in the We Connect privacy policy. Please read the privacy policy in your Infotainment system Menu Legal information.

Legal requirements for disclosure of data

To the extent of the legal regulations, Volkswagen is principally obligated to provide stored data when requested by state authorities in given cases, like when information is needed to resolve a crime.

Within the scope of applicable rights, state authorities are also authorized to read out data from the vehicles in individual cases. For example, in the event of a collision, information could be read out from the airbag control module to help clarify the situation.

Operational data in the vehicle

Control modules process data necessary for the vehicle operation.

Amongst other, this includes:

• Vehicle status information, such as speed, braking deceleration, lateral acceleration, wheel speed, and display of which safety belts are fastened.
• Environmental conditions, such as temperature, rain/light sensor, sensors for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Generally, this data is temporary and is not stored after the vehicle stops operating, and it is only processed within the vehicle. Control modules often contain a data storage device. The storage is used to temporarily or permanently record information about vehicle status, component load, maintenance needs, and technical incidents, and malfunctions.

The following information may be stored, depending on vehicle equipment:

• Operating conditions of system components, such as fluid levels, tire pressures, and vehicle battery status.
• Malfunctions and faults in important system components, such as lights and brakes.
• System reactions in special driving situations, such as airbag deployment and stabilization control system intervention.
• Information about incidents that cause damage to the vehicle.

In some cases, like if the vehicle detected a malfunction, it may be necessary to store data that would otherwise be temporary.

If you utilize services such as repair or maintenance services, the stored operational data associated with the VIN may be read out and used if necessary. Employees in the service network, such as employees at authorized Volkswagen dealers or authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities or at third party companies like roadside assistance services, can read out data from the vehicle. The same applies for warranty cases and quality assurance measures.

The data is read out using the OBD (on-board diagnosis) connection that is legally required to be in the vehicle. The operational data that is read out documents the technical status of the vehicle or individual components and assists with vehicle diagnosis, with meeting warranty requirements, and with quality improvement. This data, particularly information about wear and tear of components, technical incidents, operating errors, and other malfunctions, is transmitted together with the VIN to Volkswagen as necessary. In addition to this the manufacturer is subject to product liability. For this purpose, Volkswagen may also use operational data from the vehicle, like for recall campaigns. This data can also be used to verify customer claims concerning warranties and guarantees.

The event memory in the vehicle can be reset by a service facility during a repair or service procedure or by request.

Reprogramming control modules

All data for controlling components is generally stored in the control modules. Some convenience functions can be reprogrammed using special workshop equipment. If convenience functions are reprogrammed, the corresponding information and descriptions in this Owner's Manual will no longer match the original functions. Have the reprogramming entered in the digital maintenance schedule by a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Suitably qualified professionals have information about possible reprogramming options. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Comfort Functions

You can save convenience settings (customization) in the vehicle and change or reset these settings at any time.

Depending on the equipment, they may include:

• Seat and steering wheel position settings.
• Suspension and climate control settings.
• Customizations such as mirror and ambient lighting settings.

Infotainment system

Within the scope of the selected equipment, you can import data into the vehicle Infotainment system.

Depending on the equipment, they may include:

• Media data for playing music, movies, or photos in an Infotainment system.
• Contact details to use in conjunction with a hands-free system or a navigation system.
• Entered destinations.
• Data about online service usage. With in the scope of the selected equipment, you can import data into the vehicle Infotainment system.

  Depending on the equipment, they may include:

  • Media data for playing music, movies, or photos in an Infotainment system.
  • Contact details to use in conjunction with a hands-free system or a navigation system.
  • Entered destinations.
  • Data about online service usage.

This data can be stored locally in the vehicle or on a device you have connected to the vehicle, such as a cell phone, USB flash drive, or MP3 player. If this data is stored in the vehicle, you can delete it at any time.

This data is only transmitted to third parties upon your request, particularly when using online services corresponding to your selected settings.

Cell phone integration

If your vehicle is equipped accordingly, you can connect your cell phone or another mobile device to the vehicle. This feature allows you to control your mobile device using the controls integrated in the vehicle. The image and sound from the cell phone can be played through the Infotainment system. At the same time, certain information will be transferred to your cell phone. Depending on the type of integration, this may include the positioning data and other general vehicle information. Inform yourself about the topic of the display of apps in the Infotainment system.

This feature allows you to use selected apps from the cell phone, such as navigation or music services. An additional interaction between the cell phone and the vehicle does not happen, particularly an active access to vehicle data. The type of additional data processing is determined by the provider of the app in use. If and which settings can be applied depend on the respective app and the operating system on your cell phone.

Online services

If your vehicle has a mobile network connection, then this enables the transfer of data between your vehicle and other systems. The mobile network connection is made possible by a transceiver in the vehicle or by your mobile devices, like cell phones. Online functions can be used with this mobile network connection. This includes online services and apps that are provided by Volkswagen or by other providers.

Services from the manufacturer

The respective functions of Volkswagen online services are described by Volkswagen in a suitable location, like in a separate service description or online. The applicable data privacy information is also provided there. Personal data may be used for the provision of online services. This data transfer occurs through a secure connection, for example with the IT systems designed for this purpose by the manufacturer. The collection, processing, and usage of personal data for the purpose of providing services only occurs on the basis of a legal agreement, a contractual understanding, or consent.

You can partially activate or deactivate paid services and functions, and in some cases, the entire data connection for the vehicle. Legally-required functions and services like the emergency call systems are excluded from this.

Third party services

If there is an option to use online services from a provider other than the manufacturer, then these services, the data privacy policy, and usage conditions are the sole responsibility of the respective provider. Volkswagen does not have any influence on the content transferred in this case.

Familiarize yourself with the type, scope, and purpose of the collection and usage of personal data by these third party services from the respective service provider.