Fleets warned: remember to remove personal data from vehicles before resale
Fleets are being warned about security amid concerns over the volume of vehicles entering the remarketing process that still contain personal data, fleet operators' association ACFO reports.
A survey of members, undertaken by the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA), has shown that security is an issue in the sector.
The overwhelming majority of respondents (90%) said there isn't enough clarity around personal data security protocols and procedures for removing that data prior to the vehicle resale.
Another 75% believe that a robust practice for personal data removal is not being applied consistently, while 56% of respondents also said that current protocols do not ensure adequate protection for the end-user of the vehicle.
The question is: who is ultimately responsible for the removal of personal data in fleets?
Some 59% of those surveyed said the responsibility lies with the driver, who should remove the data prior to handing over a vehicle. However the balance believe that the inventory owner (OEM or leasing company) or the dealer where the vehicle was subject to a part-exchange transaction is responsible.
John Davies, chairman of the VRA, said the remarketing sector must agree a set of standard protocols for the removal of personal data from returning vehicles.
He added: "Until this is achieved, we will continue to see uncertainty and more importantly an inconsistent approach to this very important issue.
"Perhaps as a good first step, the corporate inventory owners should highlight the risks to their customers/drivers and issue a clear set of guidelines on why and how to remove personal data stored in vehicles before they are handed over or exchanged for another one."
