[elegant]

The PDR privacy violation solution is coming soon, and the fix appears simple. As before announced, it will be a simple software update.

When the Performance Data Recorder (PDR) option was introduced for the 2015 Corvette, Corvette Product Manager Harlan Charles characterized the Valet Mode that was included in the package as “a baby monitor for your car” and added, “Anyone who has felt apprehension about handing over their keys will appreciate the peace of mind of knowing exactly what happened while their baby was out of sight.” However, now it has come to light that Valet Mode may violate privacy laws in certain states, so Chevrolet is developing a software update that should fix the issue.

PDR is a new feature that, in the words of Chevrolet, turns the Stingray into a driving analysis tool. A driver can record every aspect of his/her driving including real-time audio and video plus up to 30 channels of performance data. However, according to a notice sent to dealers, “To help our customers use the Performance Data Recorder consistent with legal requirements that pertain to audio recording devices, we will be requiring a very important update to the system of each affected vehicle in the near future. We expect that the update will be available early next month. At that time, we will provide details about the update and let you know what steps you need to take, if any, to complete the update for vehicles in your inventory.”

Chevrolet spokesman Monte Doran says, “The update will disable the audio recording feature in Valet Mode but all other features of PDR will continue to operate normally,” with General Motors telling dealers the following:

In the meantime, you must advise any customers who take delivery of an impacted vehicle that they should refrain from using the Valet Mode until the update takes place. If they do use the Valet Mode, they should notify any occupants of the vehicle that they will be recorded while in the vehicle, and obtain their consent to this recording. It is very important that you explain this to each customer at the time of delivery.

GM also sent letters to current 2015 Corvette owners asking them either to avoid using Valet Mode before the update becomes available or obtain consent from other occupants regarding being recorded.[/Quore]


Read more: Valet Mode In 2015 Corvette May Violate Laws | GM Authority

 

[jsvette]

I would rather have both video and audio of the valet 'parking' than defeat the audio. I'd stay with the idea of a disclosure card the key fob is attached to when you give it to the valet that states "This car automatically records audio and video. By turning on my car you acknowledge you have read and understand this."

 

[rdslon01]

I also do not like the idea of defeating the audio. I don't really like the key fob idea, because I would not want the clutter, someone may claim they did not know they needed to read the tag, and a few other reasons. But I definitely like the tag better than disabling audio.

I think a good solution would have been for the system to have played a message when the ignition started saying something like, "An audio/video recording of this drive will be recorded starting in 5 seconds. If you do not agree with this, then please turn off the car at this time."

 

[SR-71]

No need to disable the audio. GM why not do this? After the owner puts the vehicle in Valet Mode a statement pops up on the screen notifying the Valet he/she will be recorded while driving the vehicle, and the emergency brake would not disengage until the Valet presses "OK" on the screen, agreeing to the statement.

 

[JS1977]

Gotta love living in Texas.... No issues here

 

[mjw930]

Disabling the audio resolves the legal issues and keeps the PDR stealth. Posting a warning may prevent someone from being stupid but not posting a warning and leaving it up to you whether the valet knows he's being watched actually give you a lot more flexibility. Besides, why do we care about what they are saying, we will have full motion video and all the telemetry which is far more valuable than listening to someone talk/

 

[rdslon01]

Mark, I would not want the audio to hear what they said, I would want the audio to hear what they did.

 

[EastTxC7]

Does anyone know if this update has been done? Just for grins on Sunday afternoon, I put my car in Valet mode. When I did, there was a message on the dash indicating "Audio disabled." Made me wonder if the update was done automagically without notice.

 

[mjw930]

Does anyone know if this update has been done? Just for grins on Sunday afternoon, I put my car in Valet mode. When I did, there was a message on the dash indicating "Audio disabled." Made me wonder if the update was done automagically without notice.

When was your car built and when was it delivered?

 

[EastTxC7]

My VIN is 108, I was told it was built the first day of 2015 production. I believe the first day of production was August 25. I picked it up from the museum on 9/17.

 

[rdslon01]

Does anyone know if this update has been done? Just for grins on Sunday afternoon, I put my car in Valet mode. When I did, there was a message on the dash indicating "Audio disabled." Made me wonder if the update was done automagically without notice.

That is very interesting. Does GM have the ability to do over-the-air updates with the new 4G receivers in the 2015? Does anyone know?

 

[elegant]

Congratulations on picking up your beauty! Tiny note: The first day of 2015 production was Friday, August 8th.

 

[mjw930]

My VIN is 108, I was told it was built the first day of 2015 production. I believe the first day of production was August 25. I picked it up from the museum on 9/17.

Congratulations on picking up your beauty! Tiny note: The first day of 2015 production was Friday, August 8th.

Which may indicate GM had a fix and applied it before releasing the car to the Museum. Until GM releases more info about the fix we are simply guessing.

 

[EastTxC7]

Thanks for keeping me straight elegant. I just remember thinking it was going to be "forever" before we could pick it up! The folks at the Museum were the ones that told me it was built on the first day of 2015 production.

 

[mjw930]

Thanks for keeping me straight elegant. I just remember thinking it was going to be "forever" before we could pick it up! The folks at the Museum were the ones that told me it was built on the first day of 2015 production.

VIN 108 probably was but there was an extended QC hold hence the mid Sept. delivery.

 

[JS1977]

Vin 4457 has PDR and when in Valet it still records audio (sounds/voices) even though the gauge shows audio off (I think it's just referring to the radio). I'm glad mine hasn't been messed with.