Robotaxi Rider Privacy Notice
Privacy From Day One
Experience seamless individualized transport by the planet’s most experienced driver— Robotaxi. Using anonymous data from our global fleet, we’re able to learn from real-world scenarios to ensure Robotaxi is engineered for privacy and safety. When you summon a ride, cabin camera and sound detection are off by default (until needed), for example, when you initiate a request for support, or to provide help in case of an emergency. Your in-vehicle Robotaxi experiences are also protected. From media streaming, to surfing the web on your touchscreen, your information is kept private and secure, ensuring the infotainment data collected is not linked to your account.
Early Access: Riders and guests participating in the invite-only early access are subject to additional data collection practices. This includes Robotaxi's default collection of exterior camera analytics, cabin camera analytics and sound detection data to support product testing, research and development, gather feedback and to help continuously enhance the service. These temporary data practices apply only to early access riders.
When you use Robotaxi, you trust us with your personal data. We’re committed to keeping that trust. That starts with transparently describing how we collect and use rider data if you request or receive Robotaxi services. The data we collect includes:
Data You Provide
| Categories of Data | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Account information | First and last name, email address, phone number, profile picture, settings and preferences. | To create and update your Tesla Account, inform you of changes to terms and services. |
| Financial information | Your payment method, credit card details, billing address. | To process your payment for the service purchased. |
| Customer support activity | Customer interactions, date, resolutions, uploads shared, ratings or feedback. | To provide customer support or other inquiries. |
Data Collected When You Use Our Services
| Categories of Data | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Location data | Approximate and precise location information. | To calculate trip, fare, routing and process your request for Robotaxi services. |
| Trip details | Requested pick up and drop off destination, date and time, distance traveled, vehicle, type of Robotaxi service used and associated rating. | To process your request for general and personalized rider services, generate receipts. |
| Mobile app information | Device information, analytics regarding mobile app usage such as function successfully or unsuccessfully loaded. | To ensure reliability of the app, perform maintenance, troubleshoot bugs and enhance operations. |
| Infotainment system data | Analytics from interactions with the touchscreen, including apps, entertainment features, temperature and vehicle controls. | To process your request and preferences during the ride, perform analysis and ensure the safety, security and improvement of our services. |
The Planet’s Most Experienced Driver is a Tap Away
Using anonymous data from our global fleet of millions of vehicles, we’re able to learn from real-world scenarios that can help prevent incidents before they occur. And with over-the-air software updates, we’re able to provide these enhancements—like air bag deployment and seatbelt improvements—to our entire fleet at no cost, making every Robotaxi safer with every mile driven.
- Robotaxi Vehicle Data: To support continuous performance, fleet learning, predictive maintenance, improved functionality and experience, the vehicle collects and processes Robotaxi vehicle data related to its usage and operation. This information is used to triage and fix potential issues and continuously improve Robotaxi services. By default, Robotaxi vehicle data is either in a form that is not associated with your Tesla account, is stored in an encrypted format that Tesla cannot decrypt, or remains inaccessible unless a specific event is triggered: (a) safety critical event – such as collision, airbag deployment or emergency stop event, (b) if you provide your consent, or another legal basis is applicable.
- Location Services: When you request a ride, we process location data from your mobile device and the Robotaxi during your trip and link that data to your account. Location is determined using cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS networks and Bluetooth. This allows us to route Robotaxi to your pickup location and display where you are on your trip. Based on your mobile app permissions, your precise location is processed when you open the app, request Robotaxi services, or until the ride is finished. Riders can also enter their pickup location manually to request a Robotaxi.
- Autopilot Data: Robotaxi makes use of a camera suite that provides advanced features such as Autopilot, Autopark and more. Camera functionality has been designed from the ground up to protect your privacy. By default, advanced autonomous features that rely on the external cameras are processed without ever leaving your vehicle. There are two types of camera recordings that are eligible to be transmitted from Robotaxi to Tesla: Safety Event and Fleet Learning camera recordings.
- Safety Event camera recordings are automatically captured only if a serious safety event occurs such as a vehicle collision or airbag deployment. These short clips are up to 30 seconds and associated with Tesla account in order to aid in providing emergency services, vehicle evaluation and Roadside Assistance (and such recordings may include timestamp and location metadata). A safety event can also be initiated by the rider using the in-vehicle Emergency Stop feature.
- Fleet Learning camera recordings use the vehicle’s external cameras to learn how to recognize things like lane lines, street signs and traffic light positions. The more fleet learning of road conditions we are able to do, the better Robotaxi self-driving services will become. Camera recordings remain anonymous, ensuring it’s not linked to your Tesla account.
Privacy Comes Standard
Early Access: Riders and guests participating in the invite-only early access are subject to additional data collection practices. This includes Robotaxi's default collection of exterior camera analytics, cabin camera analytics and sound detection data to support product testing, research and development, gather feedback and to help continuously enhance the service. These temporary data practices apply only to early access riders.
Cabin camera and microphone are off by default (until needed). Whether you’re running errands, taking a call, or watching a movie – Robotaxi is designed to protect your privacy.
Cabin Camera: During an active ride, cabin camera is not used unless you initiate a request for support, for occupancy detection, or operator assistance is required in case of an emergency. A green indicator is displayed on the rear touchscreen menu bar when cabin camera is active. If you choose to, riders can opt-in and share cabin camera analytics with Tesla to help improve Robotaxi services (use the Robotaxi app and navigate to Profile > Data Sharing > Cabin Camera Analytics). To protect your privacy, even if you opt-in to sharing this information, this camera data is not linked to your account. You may change this setting at any time. If a Robotaxi safety driver is present in the vehicle, cabin camera is used by Autopilot to detect inattentiveness. After a ride ends, cabin camera is used to confirm Robotaxi’s readiness for its next trip, for example, by checking the vehicle is clean and no lost items were left behind.
Sound Detection: Your conversations are private. Sound detection uses the microphone to transmit audio only when you initiate a request to speak with support, or when necessary to provide help in case of a safety event (just like 911 or other emergency services). An orange indicator is displayed on the touchscreen menu bar when the microphone is being used.
Sound detection also allows Robotaxi to automatically detect and appropriately react to the road environment (such as a nearby siren and yielding to approaching emergency vehicles). When a safety event is detected, the media volume inside the cabin is lowered and the rider is notified on the center touchscreen. Safety event sound detection is processed locally on the vehicle and is not associated with your Tesla account. Meaning the system cannot save or transmit this information to Tesla, even in the occurrence of a safety critical event, unless you choose to opt-in.
You can opt-in and share sound detection data with Tesla to improve the intelligence of safety and convenience features, or adjust your data sharing preferences using the mobile app (Menu > Data Sharing). Note, it is your responsibility to confirm consent of occupants. Even if you choose to opt-in, to protect your privacy, sound detection data is not associated with your account.
Minor guests (13 and over) may accompany riders with consent from their parents or legal guardians.
How We Use the Data
Tesla uses data to enable seamless and convenient Robotaxi services. This includes contacting you to advise you of important safety-related information, to notify first responders in the event of a safety critical event involving Robotaxi, present products and offers tailored to you, or to respond to your inquiries and fulfill your requests for product information, Tesla Updates and other events. We use data to:
Communicate With You
- To respond to your inquiries and fulfill your requests
- To offer you information on contests, events and promotions and to administer these activities
- To share administrative information with you, such as changes to our terms, conditions and policies
- For educational and awareness purposes on topics that interest you
- To advise you of important safety-related information about your vehicle or energy product or to notify first responders in the event of an accident involving your vehicle
- To conduct research, surveys and obtain your feedback
Fulfill Your Request for Services
- To complete your ride and request for Robotaxi services
- To process your payment for a product or service
- To process, assist and provide related customer support
- To facilitate Robotaxi performance and provide related services, including over-the-air updates
- To understand, triage and fix issues or concerns with products and services
Improve and Enhance Development of Our Products and Services
- To conduct research, develop and promote new products and services and to improve or modify our existing services
- To analyze and improve the safety and security of our products and services
- For business purposes such as data analytics, audits, fraud monitoring and prevention, business planning, determining effectiveness of campaigns, reporting and forecasting
Other Circumstances
- To fulfill contractual obligations with third parties, agents and affiliates
- To analyze, reconstruct, investigate or otherwise determine the cause of a vehicle-related incident or accident
- To comply with legal obligations, law enforcement and other government requests
- To establish, exercise, or defend legal claims
- As otherwise permitted or directed by you
Tesla retains personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including as described in this Privacy Notice, in our service-specific notices, or as required by law. The criteria for determining data retention includes consideration of its use, our relationship with you, whether there is an existing contract for services, whether you have provided your consent, or if there is a legal requirement to retain certain data. We carefully examine whether it is necessary to retain the personal data collected and work to ensure that the data is retained for the shortest period possible.
When we process personal data about you, we do so with your consent and/or as required to provide the products or services you use, operate our business, meet our contractual and legal obligations, protect the security of our systems, products and our customers, or fulfill other legitimate interests of Tesla. We do not share information that personally identifies you with third parties for their marketing purposes unless you opt-in to that sharing.
We may also use and disclose information about you if we believe in good faith that that the law requires it for purposes of security, fulfilling our legal obligations (such subpoenas or court orders), law enforcement, or other issues of public importance, disclosure is necessary or appropriate. We may also share information about you, where there are legal grounds to do so, if we determine that disclosure is reasonably necessary to enforce our Terms of Use or protect our operations or customers. This could include providing information to public or governmental authorities. Additionally, in the event of a reorganization, merger, change of control, or sale we may transfer any personal data we collect to the relevant third party.
Collection and Use of Non-Personal Data
Except as described here, Tesla may also collect, use and share information that does not, on its own, personally identify you. Such information may be used for any purpose, including for example, for operational or research purposes, for industry analysis, to improve or modify our products and services, to better tailor our products and services to your needs and where legally required.
Sharing Your Information
We limit how and with who, we share your personal data. Examples of when we may share your information include, payment processing, order fulfillment, product installation, customer service, marketing, financing, service or repair and other similar services.
We do not sell your personal data to anyone for any purpose, period. The table below illustrates who Tesla may share your personal data with depending on your interactions with us or purchases you make.
Our Service Providers, Business Partners and Affiliates
| Recipients | Description | Reason for Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliates and subsidiaries | Companies that are owned or controlled by Tesla, or where we have a substantial ownership interest | To assist, operate, enhance and fulfill services on our behalf based on our legitimate interests to outsource certain operations |
| Service providers and business partners | Companies we’ve hired to provide services like customer support, product financing, repair estimate providers, infrastructure and other professional service providers | To assist, operate and fulfill services on our behalf based on our legitimate interests to outsource certain operations |
| Payment processors | Companies we contract with to securely process your payment details | To enable payment processing based on our contract with you and fraud prevention in line with our legitimate interests |
Third Parties You Authorize
| Recipients | Description | Reason for Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party apps | Developers of mobile apps and services integrated with Tesla products | When you interact with a third-party app and direct Tesla to share connected product data with that third party to enable its feature or services, based on your consent |
Other Third Parties as Required by Law or Other Circumstances
| Recipients | Description | Reason for Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Law enforcement and government authorities | Disclosure of information as required by law, or when otherwise appropriate | To comply with applicable laws based on our legal obligation or legitimate interests |
| Regulatory and traffic enforcement | Disclosure of information related to an autonomous safety event | To comply with related autonomous vehicle licensure requirements |
The personal data we collect may be shared between Tesla and our subsidiaries, affiliates (companies that are owned or controlled by Tesla, or where we have a substantial ownership interest), third party service providers, suppliers and others when necessary to perform services on our or on your behalf. For example, companies we've hired to provide customer service support or assist in protecting and securing our systems and services may need access to personal data to provide those functions. In such cases, these companies are required to abide by our privacy and data protection requirements and are not allowed to use personal data they receive from us for any other purpose.
In addition, we may share information with:
Third party service providers and channel partners to provide services such as website hosting, data analysis and storage, payment processing, order fulfillment and product installation, wireless connectivity to Tesla products, information technology and related infrastructure, customer service, product design, product diagnostics, maintenance or related services, email delivery, credit card processing, auditing, marketing, voice command processing and other similar services.
Third parties you authorize, such as:
- Third-party sponsors of contests and similar promotions, if you elect to participate. With your social media account provider, if you connect your Tesla Account and your social media account. If you do so, you authorize us to share information with your social media account provider and you understand that the use of the information we share will be governed by the social media account provider’s privacy notice.
- Third-party app developers. Through Tesla’s Fleet API, we provide a mechanism for you to direct Tesla to connected product information with a third-party app or service. If you authorize such a connection, Tesla shares only the data categories you have consented to with the third party. You can manage or revoke your consent for data sharing with these applications at any time through your Tesla Account or through the third-party application itself (where available).
- If you choose to disclose connected product information with third parties, the third party’s terms and conditions and privacy policies (and not this Robotaxi Rider Privacy Notice) apply to the information you disclose, or that you direct Tesla to disclose, to them.
Third parties when required by law or other circumstances, such as:
- To comply with a legal obligation (such as subpoenas or other court orders and autonomous vehicle regulation); in response to a lawful request by governmental authorities conducting an investigation, including to comply with law enforcement requirements and regulator inquiries; to verify or enforce our policies and procedures; to respond to an emergency; to prevent or stop activity we may consider to be, or to pose a risk of being, illegal, unethical or legally actionable; or to protect the rights, property, safety, or security of our products and services, Tesla, third parties, visitors, or the public, as determined by us in our sole discretion.
- To comply with autonomous vehicle safety event reporting and licensing requirements, if the Robotaxi is involved in a reportable accident, collision, or other incident.
- With your employer or other fleet operator or the owner of the Tesla product, if you do not directly own it, as authorized by local law.
- In some jurisdictions, Tesla participates in government programs voluntarily or where required by law, such as incentive or credit programs related to environmental goals, energy reduction, or introduction of new technology. Tesla’s participation assists us and governments to scale investments and support introduction of our technologies including electric vehicle, electric storage and charging. Participation in some programs may require that Tesla share certain limited vehicle information with government or regulatory agencies as dictated by the terms of these programs.
- With a third party in connection with any reorganization, merger, sale, joint venture, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or any portion of our business, assets, or stock (including in connection with any insolvency or similar proceedings).
Choice and Transparency
We enable you to obtain access and control the data that we collect, use and share. Through device permissions, in-app settings, communication preferences and your Tesla Account.
Rights and Choices
Tesla Updates: When you request information, purchase a product, or sign up for promotional communications, Tesla may contact you by email, call, text, or via the Tesla app about promotions, our products and services and other information that may be of interest to you. If you no longer want to receive promotional-related emails or messages, you may opt out at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in the communication received from us, by changing your communication preferences, or by telling us using any method from the Privacy Questions section. If you receive a call or text from us and do not want to receive similar calls in the future, or if you do not want to receive automated calls, simply ask to be placed on our “do not call” list. Please note that we may still be required to send you administrative or other important messages, such as billing notices or policy changes, even if you opt out of receiving other communications.
Data Sharing: Tesla enables you to control what you share. Use the Robotaxi app to opt-in to data sharing for certain data such as Cabin Camera Analytics and Sound Detection Analytics. If you choose to enable data sharing, this helps Tesla improve its products, features and diagnose problems quicker. The collected information is not linked to your account and does not identify you personally. Depending on your selection, analytics may include details about the trip, its route, vehicle performance and short video clips or images. In order to protect your privacy, personal data is either not logged at all, is subject to privacy preserving techniques, or is removed from any reports before they’re sent to Tesla.
Data Privacy Requests: We want you to be in control of how your personal data is used by us. Subject to local law, you may have the right to be informed of and request access to, the personal data we process about you; update and correct inaccuracies in that information; have the information restricted or deleted; object or withdraw your consent to certain uses of data; and lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. You may also have the right not to be subject to automated decision-making, including profiling, where it would have a legal or similarly significant effect on you; and the right to data portability with regard to the data you provided to us. Tesla enables you to exercise those rights in a variety of ways, including by:
- Submitting a data privacy request online
- Emailing us at privacy@tesla.com
- Writing to us at Tesla Inc, Attn: Legal – Privacy, PO Box 15430, 240 Francisco Lane, Fremont, CA 94539, United States.
- By accessing your Tesla Account to update your information at any time
When contacting Tesla and where your issue requires it, we may request more information from you, such as to verify identity, or indicate that a response will require additional time. You may at any time refer your complaint to the relevant regulator in your jurisdiction if you are unsatisfied with a reply received from us. If you ask us, we will endeavor to provide you with information about relevant complaint avenues which may be applicable to your circumstances.
California Privacy Disclosure
California residents have a right to knowledge, access and deletion of their personal data under the California Consumer Privacy Act. California residents also have a right to opt out of the sale of their personal data by a business and a right not to be discriminated against for exercising one of their California privacy rights. Tesla does not sell your personal data to anyone for any purpose and does not discriminate in response to privacy rights requests.
Tesla provides disclosure of our data practices in this Privacy Notice. This includes what personal data is collected, the source of the personal data and the purposes of use, as well as whether Tesla discloses that personal data and if so, the categories of third parties to whom it is disclosed. California residents who have purchased a Tesla product or service may exercise their rights directly (or through an authorized agent) by signing in to their Tesla Account and making a data privacy request. If you are a California resident without a Tesla Account and you would like to exercise your privacy rights, requests may also be made by:
- Emailing us at privacy@tesla.com
- Calling us at 1 844 288 3752
- Writing to us at Tesla Inc, Attn: Legal – Privacy, PO Box 15430, 240 Francisco Lane, Fremont, CA 94539, United States.
If you do not have a Tesla Account, Tesla may ask you for information which we consider necessary to verify your identity for security and to prevent fraud. This information may include name, contact information and information related to your transaction or relationship with Tesla, but the specific information requested may differ depending on the circumstances of your request for your security and to protect privacy rights. If you request deletion of your personal data, please note, that we will both render certain personal data about you permanently unrecoverable and also de-identify certain personal data.
Protection of Personal Data
Tesla uses administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect your personal data, taking into account the nature of the data and the threats posed. Tesla has implemented a variety of safety and security features to consistently protect your information. For example, your Tesla Account includes owners resources, guides and important documents, so we offer multi-factor authentication to protect your account.
We also implement other appropriate technical and organizational measures to help safeguard and secure your personal data. Unfortunately, no data transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. If you have reason to believe that your interaction with us is no longer secure or compromised, please immediately notify us by using the contact information below.
This Notice does not address and we are not responsible for, the privacy, information, or other practices of any third parties, including any third party operating any site or service to which we may link to on this Notice. The inclusion of such a link does not imply endorsement of the linked site or service by us or by our affiliates, nor does it imply an affiliation with the third party. Additionally, we are not responsible for the collection, use, or disclosure policies and practices (including the data security practices) of other organizations, such as any other app developer, app provider, social media platform provider, operating system provider, or wireless service provider, including any information you disclose to other organizations through or in connection with our software applications or social media pages. In addition, our products and services are not directed to individuals under the age of sixteen and we request that such individuals not provide any information to Tesla.
International Transfers
Tesla is a global company and we operate internationally. By making a purchase or otherwise submitting your personal data to us, your information may be transferred to Tesla in countries other than your place of residence or in which the information was originally collected. For example, where we have facilities or in which we engage service providers. Tesla complies with laws on the transfer of personal data between countries to help ensure your data is protected as described in this Notice, wherever it may be.
We may rely on various legal grounds to collect, use and otherwise process your information, including: your consent; that the information is necessary for the performance of a contract with you; to comply with a legal obligation; to protect your, or someone else’s vital interests; or for a legitimate interest that is balanced against your rights and interests. These legitimate interests may include Tesla’s interest in improving its products and services, enhancing safety and security, protecting Tesla or its business partners against wrongful conduct and responding to customer inquiries and claims. Where applicable, we will inform you whether and why we need certain information from you, for example, whether we need the information to fulfill a legal or contractual requirement and what the consequences are of not providing the information.
Updates to this Notice
This Notice sets out the essential details relating to your personal data relationship with Tesla as a Robotaxi rider. From time to time, we may develop new capabilities, features, or offer additional services which may require we make material changes to this Notice. When we do, we’ll let you know by revising the date this Notice was last updated on our website. Other times, we may provide you with additional notice (such as an email) with more information about the revisions. Unless stated otherwise when we introduce these new or additional services, they will be subject to this Notice and become effective when we post it on our website.
Privacy Questions
For privacy questions or comments, to opt-out from certain services, or to submit a data privacy request, please contact us.
- Submit a data privacy request online
- Email us at privacy@tesla.com
- Write to us at Tesla Inc, Attn: Legal – Privacy, PO Box 15430, 240 Francisco Lane, Fremont, CA 94539, United States.