General Motors has agreed to pay Massachusetts about $5.7 million as part of a $220 million multistate settlement over allegations that it sold driving and location data without consumers' informed consent.
Massachusetts and GM asked Suffolk Superior Court to approve their agreement in a joint motion received Oct. 29. The proposed judgment posted by the attorney general's office has a blank judicial signature. Six State Signal has not confirmed a subsequent court order approving it.
Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office said GM's Smart Driver program gathered information including trip times, speeding and hard braking. The states alleged the information went to data brokers and then insurers, which could use it to set premiums.
GM consented to the proposed judgment without admitting the state's factual allegations or any liability. The agreement would require affirmative, express consent for covered collection or disclosure of driving and location information, along with privacy reviews and changes to dealership oversight and training.
The proposed terms define Nov. 30, 2026, as the effective date, with implementation deadlines following it. They provide for the $220 million payment within 30 days of that date.
Massachusetts' specified share is $5,704,273, payable to the state. The proposed judgment lets the attorney general use the money for any lawful purpose, including the state's general fund, a local consumer-aid fund or consumer-protection programs. The announcement does not identify an individual consumer-claims process.
The proposed terms would let drivers request deletion of covered driving data or a copy of that data, along with the categories of third parties that received it. Copies would be due within 45 days of a request. GM would also have to delete covered data retained before Jan. 16, 2025, subject to exceptions for purposes including safety work and legal obligations.
Smart Driver enrolled motorists from 2016 through 2024, according to Campbell's office. GM has discontinued the program.