A new federal mandate could soon transform the modern automobile into a rolling surveillance system. Under provisions tied to the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, federal regulators are moving toward requiring “advanced impaired driving prevention technology” in all new passenger vehicles. Beginning around 2026–2027, newly manufactured cars may include biometric monitoring systems designed to track driver alertness and sobriety. Infrared cameras and sensors embedded in the dashboard or steering column would monitor eye movement, head position, and other behavioral indicators to determine whether a driver appears impaired or fatigued.

The technology functions continuously in the background, creating a biometric profile of the driver in real time. If the system determines that a person may be intoxicated or too drowsy to drive, the vehicle could prevent ignition from starting or limit the car’s speed. Supporters argue the systems could reduce accidents caused by impaired driving. Critics, however, warn that constant biometric monitoring raises serious privacy concerns. Because the systems rely on software and sensors connected to modern vehicle networks, some experts also fear that collected data could potentially be shared with manufacturers, insurers, or other third parties in the future.

SOURCE: Gadget Review