id: 2024-04-01-17:32:45:693t Welcome to your Monday tech sensation of know-how, friend. There’s a tricky brain teaser stumping the internet, but I know you’ll figure it out. What do you see once in a year, twice in a week but only twice in forever? Think about it, and you’ll find the answer at the end.

Big Tech’s algorithms control your email. They decide what you can see. That’s why I need you to do me a huge favor: Reply to this email and tell me “Hello.” That simple action tells Big Tech and your internet provider you want my emails. Crazy, I know. So reply today and for a few days this week. It makes a huge difference. Thank you for the help! All right, on to the top story that will blow you away. — Kim

I talked about this on my show last week and got a ton of questions: Automakers and insurance companies are in cahoots to share data on your driving, hard braking, rapid acceleration and more. That’s why your car insurance probably went up. Mine did.

Cache in your chips

Let’s start here. Cars today contain anywhere from 1,000 to over 3,000 computer chips that handle:

• Engine management and performance.
• Infotainment and communication systems.
• Safety features like braking, airbags and driver assistance.
• Power steering and other vehicle dynamics.
• Battery management and power control in electric vehicles.

Now, what else do all these chips do? Right‑o — collect a ton of data.

Open the door for data brokers

A data broker called LexisNexis collects info from your car’s computer systems about your speeds, braking and accelerating … plus, all the trips you’ve taken, how long they were and what time you took them. These reports can fill hundreds of pages.

So, how do they get all that info? Automakers like GM build tracking into your car’s computers and sell it to LexisNexis for big bucks. Then, LexisNexis turns around and sells it to insurance companies, which use it to ratchet up premiums.

It’s one big screw-the-consumer cycle. The only good news is the report’s about you, so you’ve got the right to see it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Here’s how:

• Head to the LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure Report online. (Boy, that was hard to find, but I’m a super sleuth!)
• Click Request a Consumer Disclosure Report Online, or use the postal or phone options if you prefer.
• Fill in your name and address, click Submit Request, then sit back and wait. You may get a confirmation email, but the actual report will come via USPS.

I’m still waiting for mine — it’s been 10 days.

So, can I stop this tracking?

Unfortunately, without national privacy laws, you can’t do much. But there are a couple of ways to opt out:

• If your car has an app: Opt out of sharing any data with third parties. Head to the app’s settings and look for data-sharing options, like Data Privacy or Data Usage.
• In your car’s infotainment system: Look for options like Toyota’s Insure Connect or Driving Score on newer Kia and Mitsubishi models. Check for any sort of driver-scoring or feedback options. Other names to look out for include GM’s Smart Driver and Honda’s Driver Feedback.

Good news if you live in California: You can tell car companies not to share your data. Find the links to the privacy request pages for major car brands on my site.

Privacy watchdogs say disabling certain data features in cars like Teslas could make them undrivable in a few years, but for now, I’ll take my chances.

Giant data-sucking companies shouldn’t be allowed to operate like this. Ask about it next time you make changes to your car insurance — even just to let them know consumers like you and me aren’t OK with this.

✅ Share the know-how. I bet you know at least one person who’ll be astounded by this privacy gap. Use the sharing icons below to send this important intel to a family member or friend now.

You asked, so I delivered. Here are five tech finds to add to your setup:

1. The best mouse: This is not a cheap‑o Amazon computer mouse. It’s the one to use if you want reliable action and scrolling, both up and down and side to side. It’s an awesome addition to your desktop you’ll use every single day.
2. Take notes so you don’t forget anything: At under $25, this smart notebook comes with a pen and microfiber cloth. Snap a photo of your notes and store them in the app. It’s easy to wipe clean and use again and again. It’s also 34% off.
3. Monitor stand and organizer: Get your act together and keep everything neat and tidy. Raise your monitor to eye level, and let the airflow prevent overheating. The stand is 10% off, so get it now.
4. Team Apple: Pick up this wireless 3‑in‑1 charger that can hold your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. It’s available in six colors and 45% off right now.
5. Toe-tally awesome: This under-desk footrest comes in three colors, each with two heights for optimal comfort. Its memory foam fits any foot size or shape. Plus, it’s 20% off.

AT&T’s massive breach: They finally confirmed a data breach affecting 73 million current and former customers … after pointing fingers and denying it happened. AT&T has reset 7.6 million passcodes and will reach out if your account was breached. Reset your passcode now for good measure.

Are you a chatbot? Utah is the first state to pass AI legislation. Starting May 1, companies must clearly disclose if they use any AI that interacts with a person — think customer service, videos, phone calls, etc. If they don’t, they face fines of up to $5,000. But how will we know?

Kia is recalling 430,000 Tellurides: The recall covers all 2020 through 2023 models and some 2024 vehicles. There’s a huge problem with the driveshaft that could let the SUVs spontaneously roll away. If that happens, you’ll have no‑Kia.

Drunk dial: Here’s a funny story about the first guy to get Neuralink’s brain implant. Quadriplegic Noland Arbaugh’s friend was at a party when he heard about Neuralink’s FDA approval. He called Noland half-drunk to help him apply. Six months later, Noland’s playing chess with his mind and pulling all-nighters with video games.

Hiding in plane sight: How do you get migratory birds and wildlife off Alaska’s second-largest airport runways in Anchorage? Deploy a headless robot the size of a Labrador. They’re going to make the robot look like a coyote or fox by changing up its side panels.

Back in biz: Know someone impacted by Big Tech layoffs? All’s not lost. The most in-demand six-figure roles right now are senior software engineers, product managers, product designers, product marketing managers and engineering managers. See the rest of the top 10 here.

👁️ Don’t get burned: Fake solar-safe glasses are for sale online. Use the wrong ones, and you can permanently damage your eyes. If you bought some, look for ISO 12312‑2 on the frames. This pair is safe, btw.

Conspiracy theories spreading online: One with biblical ties says the April 8 eclipse passes over eight towns named Nineveh and the end is here. (Ahem, it’s only two towns.) Now, the eclipse also goes over Santa Claus, Indiana; Ding Dong, Texas; and Booger Hole, West Virginia. Nope, Christmas isn’t coming early with free donuts and boogers.

Let’s hang out! I’m livestreaming today at 11:30 a.m. Pacific (2:30 p.m. Eastern). Come watch on YouTube, Rumble or Facebook. Tell me your best (pod-friendly) joke — I might just read it on the air!

Alt + Tab: A keyboard shortcut pro Windows users know. Press those keys to cycle through your open programs quickly. On a Mac, it’s Cmd + Tab.

Using new software at work? Online learning sites like Coursera, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning can help you get up to speed quickly. YouTube is a solid free option. There are a ton of helpful tutorials out there. You’ll have to watch an ad or two, but that’s no big deal.

I hate lines: That’s why I have the TSA app on my phone. Check real-time security wait times, get tips on what you can and can’t bring on board, check delay info, and report security issues. Worth downloading for Android and Apple if you have a trip coming up.

That’s not quite right: You’re texting with your voice and it went all wrong. To delete the last word you dictated, say, “Delete the last word.” To delete the last sentence, say, “Clear sentence.” If you want to get rid of everything you just said, say, “Clear all.”

I trust SimpliSafe to protect my home and studio from break-ins, fires, floods and any unwelcome surprises. With SimpliSafe, you don’t just get alerts on your phone — you get a fortress.

• Exclusive to SimpliSafe: Unusual activity? If their camera spots it, their agents stop it in real time.
• Buy now, pay later: Your security can’t wait for your budget.
• Seamless installation: Whether you’re all DIY or prefer a professional touch, installation is easy. Heck, I did it without breaking a nail.
• No-risk assurance: With a 60-day money-back guarantee and free return shipping, your investment in safety is absolutely risk‑free.

Not sure where to start? Take their quick quiz to see the perfect system tailored to your specific needs. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a sprawling home, or you oversee a business, they’ve got you covered.

The answer: The letter “e.” The first four letters of the alphabet are the hardest. The rest are E‑Z. (Nice one, right?)

Help keep this newsletter free to you by clicking the links to our sponsors. Whether you have a small or huge business, check out NetSuite by Oracle.* It replaces QuickBooks and gives you the data your business needs to grow. They’re offering a limited-time flexible financing program — click here to check it out right now.

Thanks for all you do to support me and the team behind the radio shows, podcasts, newsletters and website. Now, go look in the mirror, smile and say, “I am a tech smarty-pants! Thank you, Kim Komando!” — Kim