A new chapter in automotive safety has begun across Europe, bringing with it fresh concerns about driver privacy. Under the European Union’s updated General Safety Regulation (GSR2), every newly built passenger car and van sold within EU member states must now include an Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) system.

The technology relies on an infrared camera positioned on the steering column or upper dashboard, constantly monitoring the driver's face and eye movements. Once the vehicle exceeds 20 km/h (12.4 mph), the system becomes active, tracking where the driver is looking in real time. If attention shifts away from the road—such as toward the infotainment display or a smartphone—for more than 3.5 seconds at higher speeds, the vehicle responds with audible alerts and vibration warnings intended to regain the driver's focus.

According to the European Commission, these monitoring systems could help prevent thousands of crashes and potentially save up to 25,000 lives by 2038. Officials also emphasize that all image processing takes place locally inside the vehicle through a closed-loop system, meaning no footage is intended to leave the car.

Despite those assurances, privacy advocates remain cautious. Recent controversies involving automakers accused of sharing driver-related data with third parties have raised concerns about how securely future in-car information will be handled. While the regulation is designed to improve road safety, many drivers question whether continuous facial monitoring is the right balance between protection and personal privacy. Will mandatory driver-monitoring cameras become a lifesaving innovation, or will they create even greater concerns over privacy and data security?

Please comment, Like & Share🔥