Tesla is rolling out the latest beta of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and is asking drivers for consent to gather vehicle-identifiable footage in the event of an accident. FSD is a driver-assist system that builds upon Tesla’s Autopilot technology. Though the name suggests the car is in full control, it’s actually a semi-autonomous program that requires the driver to maintain command of the vehicle at all times.
The car-maker launched its FSD beta as a premium tier of Autopilot in October last year. Tesla initially made the software available to select “expert and careful” drivers, charging them $10,000 for the privilege. The firm has since made FSD available to more drivers by offering a $199 per-month subscription. FSD users get access to all the standard Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot features, as well as auto-steer for city streets, along with automated traffic and stop sign control. The company says it has more features planned, and is steadily iterating on FSD by releasing regular point version updates for the technology.
With FSD 10.5, Tesla is requesting users allow it to collect video from cameras both inside and outside of the vehicle when a collision happens. Tesla is including the language in its 10.5 user agreement, and, according to Electrek, customers must consent if they want to use the latest build of the beta software. The notice also explains that the clips are tied to the vehicle’s identification number (VIN), thereby allowing Tesla to know specifically which car – and likely which driver – was involved when a crash occurs.
Tesla Has Gathered Video Before
![Tesla Requires Full Self-Driving Users To Agree To Crash Video Collection](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tesla-self-driving.jpg)
It’s important to note Tesla has long pulled footage and other data from customers’ cars, but it has always been anonymized and not tied to specific drivers. The EV firm says it uses that trove of information to improve the performance and safety of its vehicles, yet it’s inevitable that any system that interfaces with a remote server is at risk of getting hacked. That can be as true for a connected car as it can a PC. Indeed, an ethical hacker has previously demonstrated how Tesla’s cameras can be breached.
With this in mind, it’s easy to imagine Tesla understands the associated risks of gathering clips that are linked to a specific vehicle and its owner. However, the firm has recently come under scrutiny after a driver claimed their car performed an erratic maneuver while FSD was engaged. That incident has sparked a probe by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency that has previously criticized the car-maker over its approach to autonomous driving technology. For Tesla, being able to gather identifiable visual evidence from the moments around an accident will likely prove invaluable. Not only will Tesla be able to better understand what went wrong and why, it will also likely be in a position to defend itself should NHTSA or any other body launch a future probe into its technology.