In the age of data, privacy is under siege. Every day, headlines scream about yet another telematics service provider (TSP) caught red-handed exploiting the trust of its users. Most recently, a major industry player has come under fire for misusing customer data—a flagrant violation of privacy that undermines the very foundation of the digital economy.

At Sentiance, we do things differently. We believe in a privacy-first philosophy that empowers individuals and businesses without compromising trust. In a world plagued by data abuse, Sentiance’s commitment to ethical data practices sets us apart as a beacon of responsibility and integrity.

Time to switch gears

Let’s not mince words: the tech industry has a problem. Many TSPs view customer data as their personal goldmine, harvesting it with little to no transparency, often crossing ethical boundaries. They justify invasive practices with vague claims of "personalization" or "optimization," while secretly trading or monetizing user data without informed and explicit consent.

This isn’t just an ethical issue; it’s a violation of user trust. The fallout is clear: massive fines, eroded customer confidence, and an ever-growing chasm between tech providers and the companies they claim to serve.

Recent lawsuits have revealed the depth of this crisis. For instance, a major data broker in the US has been accused of collecting sensitive information, including precise geolocation and driving habits, through embedded software in mobile apps. This data was allegedly sold to third parties, such as insurance companies, affecting consumers’ rates and coverage decisions.

Similarly, investigations have highlighted how a large US auto manufacturer implemented technology in millions of vehicles to track driver behavior without explicit consent. The data was then reportedly sold to external parties to generate "Driving Scores," influencing insurance premiums and other assessments.

Some large mobile apps have also faced scrutiny for collecting location and driving data from users, which was later shared with third parties. These practices raise significant concerns about whether users fully understand how their data is being utilized and the implications for their privacy.

Sentiance: 10 years of redefining data ethics and motion insights

From the start, 10 years ago, we believed that data should serve users, not exploit them. Here’s how we’re different:

1. Not a data broker: Sentiance doesn’t collect or share any device or advertising identifiers that third parties can leverage for monetization.

2. User-centric data ownership: Unlike others, we ensure our clients and their customers retain control of their data. Our platform is designed to optimize the relationship between companies who want to build a personalized relationship and their customers, which is making them, through full consent, the ultimate decision-makers over how their data is used. The processing is happening on the device and no privacy-sensitive data has to leave the smartphone

3. Transparency by design: Sentiance’s technology is built around transparency. Our data practices are clear and straightforward, and we always prioritize user consent.

4. Privacy as a core value: For Sentiance, privacy isn’t an afterthought—it’s the starting point. For over a decade, Sentiance has led the way; starting with GDPR-compliant practices long before GDPR came into effect, pioneering On-device technology to securely process sensitive data directly on users' smartphones instead of in the Cloud, and co-founding the Ayra network to shape the future of digital trust.

5. Win-win solutions: We’ve demonstrated that it’s possible to create value for businesses and users simultaneously without compromising privacy. Companies can harness the power of behavioral data ethically, driving insights that respect individual rights.

Call to action: Demand better

It’s time to demand better from the tech industry. We, as users and businesses, deserve more than the broken promises of data abusers. We deserve platforms that prioritize privacy, transparency, and ethical practices.

We’re not just challenging the status quo—we’re redefining it. Our mission is to prove that innovation and privacy can go hand in hand. While others scramble to rebuild their shattered reputations, we remain steadfast in our commitment to doing things the right way.

Join us in championing a future where data is safe, ethical, and empowering. The age of reckless data exploitation is over. With Sentiance, the future of privacy begins now.