Cybertruck tracking in Las Vegas case raises privacy concerns
Share and Follow


() Tesla’s response to a Cybertruck explosion outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel has raised serious concerns about vehicle data and privacy.

Investigators say 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger killed himself moments before the rented Cybertruck exploded. Investigators are still sifting through evidence, but Tesla has already made statements that show how much data the company was collecting.

Some of the first answers in the case came from Tesla founder Elon Musk, who wrote on X that “we have no confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cyber truck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.”

That indicates the Cybertruck was transmitting data up until the explosion. Las Vegas Metro Police and the FBI have been using that data to help piece together the case.

“I have to thank Elon Musk specifically for being able to capture all of the video from the Tesla charging stations across the country,” said one official. “He sent that directly to us. We tracked his movements through the Tesla charging station to Monument. Colorado, on December 30. On the 31st of December, the truck was charged in Trinidad, Colorado; Las Vegas, New Mexico; and Albuquerque and Gallup, New Mexico.”

Authorities confirmed that the Cybertruck was not in full self-driving mode at any point during the incident.

Investigators have also recovered a microchip from the Cybertruck. They have not shared any video from inside the truck, which could yield even more information, but this is still the most high-profile example of how modern cars collect information on their drivers and those around them.

Tesla is not the only brand to collect this data, with most automobile companies engaging in similar activities.

A 2023 study from the Mozilla Foundation found that 75% of car brands said they can share or sell driver data, and 84% of car brands said they can share driver’s personal data, with 76% saying they can sell your personal data.

That has privacy experts warning that people’s own cars are the most heavily surveilled part of their day-to-day lives.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump 'obesity ban' preventing overweight foreigners from entering US

Trump Administration’s Controversial Policy Sparks Debate: Obesity Ban on Overweight Foreigners Entering US

The State Department under Donald Trump has introduced a new guideline suggesting…
Flood victims' families file lawsuits against Camp Mystic

Families of Flood Victims Initiate Legal Action Against Camp Mystic

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) — Camp Mystic is facing at least four lawsuits…
Who was eliminated in week 9? 'Dancing with the Stars' throws epic 20th birthday party, topped off with 4 perfect scores

Dancing with the Stars’ 20th Anniversary Celebrations Culminate in Week 9 Elimination and Four Perfect Scores

The vibrant energy of “Dancing with the Stars” was on full display…
Customs and Border Protection Cmdr. Greg Bovino leaving Chicago soon, DHS expected to maintain presence: sources

Customs and Border Protection Commander Greg Bovino to Depart Chicago; DHS to Sustain Presence, Sources Indicate

Chicago is poised to bid farewell to Customs and Border Protection Commander…
ICE arrests Moldovan illegal immigrant and convicted killer who tortured, threw victim out ninth-floor window

ICE Detains Moldovan Convicted Killer in U.S.: Shocking Details of Ninth-Floor Window Incident Unveiled

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently apprehended a Moldovan illegal…
New home restores independence to Texas veteran

Texas Veteran Reclaims Independence with New Home: A Heartwarming Transformation

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (Nexstar) — For U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Albert Flores,…
LA firefighters warned brush fire was still smoldering before it sparked Palisades blaze, but officials did nothing: report

Report Reveals Ignored Warnings of Smoldering Brush Fire Prior to Palisades Blaze Eruption

In the wake of the devastating Palisades fire, questions are arising about…
In this undated image, Stephen Bryant appears in court. (The Item via AP)

South Carolina’s Last Death Row Appeal Denied: Concerns Over Maternal Alcohol Impact Dismissed

In a recent decision, South Carolina’s Supreme Court has declined to halt…