Onstar....a spy???? please comment

[MLL67RSSS]

Originally Posted by Stingr69

I read it - come back and tell me about some names of people that have been caught just because of OnStar and we will have something to worry about. I am not talking about stolen cars being recovered. I want an example of someones OnStar history being used against them by law enforcement some time in the last 5 years. If you have it, bring it.

-Mark.

Well not to fuel the conspiracy fire, but as I eluded to in post #16,,,

http://www.wpbf.com/r/15651948/detail.html

Police Charge Teen In $24K In Damage To Soccer Field
POSTED: 10:12 am EDT March 20, 2008
UPDATED: 10:41 am EDT March 20, 2008

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- Investigators said a Manalapan teenager was caught causing $24,800 worth of damage to a soccer field after the On-Star system in his car tipped off police that he was the culprit.

Authorities said the 17-year-old spun a 2007 GMC Denali to make "donuts" all over the soccer field at Saint Joseph's School located at 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd. in Boynton Beach on Nov.21, according to a police report.

Police used On-Star GPS records to link the teen to the scene at the time of the vandalism, according to the report.

A police subpoenae of OnStar documents revealed that the company received a "collision notification" and that an OnStar employee contacted the teen, whose voice was then recorded.

The 17-year-old is facing charges of reckless driving and criminal mischief.




So to re-iterate, the boys voice on the recording plus the GPS data was the evidence that placed him at the scene driving the car, and how they were able to bring charges against him.

[The Stig]

Just to point this out, because I don't think it had been mentioned yet. Most cars/if not all cars now a days have a black box. Same concept as with an airplanes. It records everything about the car in the case of a collision. Seatbelts, if brake was applied, speed, etc. So really onstar doesn't need to spy on us, GM is doing it already.

[Xanthos]

Originally Posted by MLL67RSSS

So to re-iterate, the boys voice on the recording plus the GPS data was the evidence that placed him at the scene driving the car, and how they were able to bring charges against him.

Yes, but as has also been pointed out, his voice was only on the recording because he hit something (probably a goal or something similar). Its not like onstar tapped into his car to hear him whooping with glee as he tore up the field.

The police probably already had evidence that it was his dad's denali, they just supoenaed onstar for proof and to confirm the identity of the driver.
- X

[MLL67RSSS]

There have been all kinds of incidents where automotive journalist and others were doing some 'performance' driving or testing of a vehicle on skip-pads/cones, etc. and been contacted by On-Star, they didn't "hit anything." Regardless of the reason, the recording of his voice was the evidence that sealed his fate and placed him at the scene.

Originally Posted by Stingr69

I want an example of someones OnStar history being used against them by law enforcement some time in the last 5 years.
-Mark.

He asked for an example, and this provided a perfect one "of someones OnStar history being used against them" doesn't it?

[Stingr69]

Originally Posted by MLL67RSSS

There have been all kinds of incidents where automotive journalist and others were doing some 'performance' driving or testing of a vehicle on skip-pads/cones, etc. and been contacted by On-Star, they didn't "hit anything." Regardless of the reason, the recording of his voice was the evidence that sealed his fate and placed him at the scene.



He asked for an example, and this provided a perfect one "of someones OnStar history being used against them" doesn't it?

Yup, it is. There are probably more examples like that out there even if we have not heard about many. It isn't upsetting me much that the kid got nailed with the help of OnStar. Destruction of property is not a victimless crime. If LEAs use it that way we should not be too concerned. If it was your front yard that was all torn up you would be glad they cought the perp.

At the same time, it would be a big strech to say that authorities are monitoring OnStar customers to detect crime. Its not like a guy was speeding then got a ticket because OnStar notified the authorities who were otherwise unaware of the infraction. That stuff isn't happening.

-Mark.

[Rogue Leader]

Originally Posted by Berean

I still do, but translated it to Latin and substituted horse for clutch since there's no Latin word for clutch.


Furcifer Rector = Rogue Leader

HAHA Thats awesome!

[Rogue Leader]

Originally Posted by Xanthos

Yes, but as has also been pointed out, his voice was only on the recording because he hit something (probably a goal or something similar). Its not like onstar tapped into his car to hear him whooping with glee as he tore up the field.

The police probably already had evidence that it was his dad's denali, they just supoenaed onstar for proof and to confirm the identity of the driver.
- X

Originally Posted by Stingr69

Yup, it is. There are probably more examples like that out there even if we have not heard about many. It isn't upsetting me much that the kid got nailed with the help of OnStar. Destruction of property is not a victimless crime. If LEAs use it that way we should not be too concerned. If it was your front yard that was all torn up you would be glad they cought the perp.

At the same time, it would be a big strech to say that authorities are monitoring OnStar customers to detect crime. Its not like a guy was speeding then got a ticket because OnStar notified the authorities who were otherwise unaware of the infraction. That stuff isn't happening.

-Mark.

Exactly, it was used after the fact. Not only that many newer GPS systems keep records as well.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by MLL67RSSS

There have been all kinds of incidents where automotive journalist and others were doing some 'performance' driving or testing of a vehicle on skip-pads/cones, etc. and been contacted by On-Star, they didn't "hit anything." Regardless of the reason, the recording of his voice was the evidence that sealed his fate and placed him at the scene.

It's because the Onstar system works via a series of sensors, and if a sensor gets tripped because of one of those performance tests, then OnStar is activated. If you're still alive and your car is still in one piece, then OnStar couldn't care less what you do after that.

[MLL67RSSS]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

It's because the Onstar system works via a series of sensors, and if a sensor gets tripped because of one of those performance tests, then OnStar is activated. If you're still alive and your car is still in one piece, then OnStar couldn't care less what you do after that.

Yes I know, that is why I posted it. Someone was under the impression that only "hitting something" would trigger OnStar which is not the case.

I would have absolutely no problems having a car with OnStar BTW. If someone REALLY wants to spy on me there are much MUCH easier and less time consuming ways than having to go through judges/courts/subpoenaes etc. Glad they got the little bastard and made him responsible for what he did.

But let this be a lesson to everyone: When you decide to go out and do thousands of dollars of damage vandalizing someone's lawn or property in your OnStar equipped car like so many of us always do, when OnStar calls DON'T SAY ANYTHING!!!!!. Get the heck out of there and report the car stolen!!!! There, problem fixed!!!!

[CamaroSkooter]

How is this thread still going?

[WadeWilson]

Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter

How is this thread still going?

I was wondering that myself. As pathetic as it is, it's rather comical too.

[wrbear]

Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter

How is this thread still going?

Good Question....

DOUGH!....still going....

[hot_rod]

Lions,

and tigers,

and bears!

Oh, my!

[el ess A]

Maybe I missed it, but even if your car has Onstar and you don't want it to connect...disconnect the antenna! The car stealing recovery part usually works because car thieves don't normally have time to disconnect Onstar. But if you were going to be planning on doing stealth operations, use a different brand car that cannot be traced by Onstar, or disable the system.

Always remember, if you lack integrity, nothing is illegal if you don't get caught.