The suit claims that wireless vehicle telematics access is illegal.

A small, but important measure was passed in Massachusetts amid all the excitement surrounding the 2020 US Presidential election. The state passed an amendment to its 2013 landmark “right to fix” law. This gives vehicle owners and independent shops access to the same vehicle data as automakers. The law was updated to include wireless telematics.

Some people didn’t like that, and Automotive News reports that a federal lawsuit has been filed regarding the expanded law. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation filed the suit late last week at the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. This group lists many automakers among its members, including Ford, Honda and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. General Motors is also included.

Automotive News reports that the suit seeks the repeal of the measure because it is unconstitutional or in conflict with federal laws. Although the details of the conflict are not clear, the alliance claims that the updated law would allow personal driving data to be made available to third parties without any safeguards to protect core vehicle functions, consumers’ private information, or safety.

The new law will take effect December 3. The updated law closes a loophole that allowed wireless telematics to remain open-ended in the existing law. These data are typically sent to OEMs and may include information about vehicle functionality. This data can include real-time driving information and GPS information. The argument against the new law is that it makes this data available to customers and independent shops. This could allow criminals to stalk people for various purposes. This data is secured and protected by OEMs.

The original law of Massachusetts from 2013 was eventually adopted nationally. It’s possible that a similar expansion can be made if the new measure is legalized.