There is no doubt that the future of connected cars offers significant safety benefits for all road users. However, as with many advanced technologies that capitalize on the use of consumer data, there are privacy and security concerns involving the risk of unauthorized access to this communications channel—in this case, vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems. In addition, vehicles collect significant amounts of data, and manufacturers face the need to protect that data today to provide a foundation in order for greater data streams to be available in the future. Here, we will address questions associated with potential benefits and risks, including: How do dedicated short range communications (DSRC) technologies provide cars with added safety benefits for drivers? How great is the risk of unauthorized infiltration into a vehicle’s communications system? What protections are out there to ensure that drivers’ information is not compromised? What is the overall future of connected cars in society? What you’ll take away: · Safety benefits, functions and privacy implications of vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems like DSRC · An understanding of the evolving landscape of vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity and how current best practices in vehicle data security and privacy protection will evolve to accommodate this new technology · The role of federal regulators in protecting consumers’ data privacy in a world of connected vehicles