Lots of ideas are patented, especially by large companies. Some ideas are pursued by the company themselves, while others sit in the patent war chest to (maybe) generate passive income and help with future litigation. Very occasionally they are used for prevention.
Regardless, such a system would be a reason for many people to avoid buying a particular car or brand of car.
I feel like there might be an emerging market for a car company that makes new, safe cars with very low tech computer systems.
Ah who am I kidding, I wish there was a market for all kinds of functional-but-not-enshittified products out there, but the complete lack of them shows the entrenched powers that be will stomp out any attempt to upset the terrible status quo.
As much as people hate Musk, Tesla is unusual in that they allow you to opt out of all connectivity. Get no updates, send no video, audio, or data to the company
If it recognizes me it would know my ad preference is none. What is it with paid items/subscriptions and ads? I already paid. Fuck off. If I see paid stuff with ads I go out of my way to not use it.
Hey other automakers looking for an exciting new feature, you can always advertise NOT snooping as a feature and "add value" without having to do squat. Think about it, less scummy companies! (if they still exist)